Amstelveen, August 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s women’s hockey team suffered a 0-2 defeat against defending champions Netherlands in their opening second-stage match of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 at the Wagener Stadium here on Friday, leaving their semi-final hopes hanging by a thread.
Yibbi Jansen opened the scoring for the Netherlands just 81 seconds into the match before Frederique Matla doubled the advantage in the 38th minute.
The defeat leaves India on one point in Pool E, carried forward from their draw against China in the opening stage. The Netherlands moved to six points after carrying three points forward and adding another three with Friday’s victory. China have two points following their draw against Australia, while Australia and India have one point each.
The Netherlands started aggressively and earned an early penalty corner, which Jansen converted with a powerful strike past goalkeeper Bichu Devi in the second minute. Bichu then made crucial saves to prevent the hosts from extending their lead.
India gradually settled into the contest and created opportunities, with Salima Tete registering their first shot in the 12th minute. Navneet Kaur also came close in the second quarter, but her effort sailed over the crossbar.
Savita, who replaced Bichu at the start of the second quarter, produced several important saves to keep India within striking distance. India also earned their first penalty corner, but Deepika’s flick was blocked by the Dutch defence.
The Netherlands increased the pressure after the interval and eventually found their second goal in the 38th minute. Matla’s penalty-corner effort beat the Indian defence and the player stationed on the post.
India pushed forward in the final quarter in search of a comeback, but goalkeeper Anne Veenendaal made a crucial save from Navneet in the 59th minute to preserve the Netherlands’ clean sheet.
The Netherlands comfortably defended their advantage to seal victory and confirm their semi-final berth.
India now face a must-win match against Australia in their final Pool E game. Their qualification will also depend on the Netherlands defeating China.
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