Amstelveen, August 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India began their Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against reigning Olympic silver medallists China at the Wagner Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Sunday.
Navneet and Deepika scored for India as the Salima Tete-led side twice took the lead, but China fought back on both occasions to secure a point.
India made an attacking start, earning their first penalty corner in the fifth minute after an opportunity created by Lalremsiami. Navneet took the shot but could not beat the Chinese defence.
She made no mistake three minutes later, however, tapping the ball into the net after receiving a pass from Neha to give India the lead.
China drew level when Zhang Ying converted a penalty stroke after Shilpi Dabas was penalised for a foul inside the circle.
India regained the advantage in the 25th minute through Deepika, who converted a penalty corner after the team had earned another set-piece opportunity four minutes earlier. The goal was referred to the video umpire after the drag-flick struck a Chinese defender, but it was eventually allowed to stand.
India went into half-time with a 2-1 lead and a chance to secure a memorable opening victory.
China stepped up the pressure after the break, repeatedly testing the Indian defence. Their efforts paid off in the 39th minute when Ma Ning converted a penalty corner to restore parity at 2-2.
India were forced to defend for long periods during the remainder of the third quarter but held firm.
Both teams pushed for the winning goal in the final quarter. Navneet sent a dangerous pass across the Chinese goal in the 51st minute, but Lalremsiami was unable to reach it.
China were reduced to 10 players for two minutes after Zou Meirong received a green card in the 53rd minute, but India could not capitalise on the numerical advantage.
China earned another penalty corner in the 57th minute. Their first attempt failed and a second opportunity followed, but Fan Yunxia’s effort went wide as the match ended 2-2.
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