Amstelveen, August 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Indian women’s hockey team produced a dominant performance to defeat South Africa 6-1 and register their first win of the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 at the Wagener Hockey Stadium here on Tuesday.
The victory kept India unbeaten in Pool D and strengthened their position at the top of the group. India had earlier drawn 2-2 against 2024 Olympic silver medallists China and now have four points from two matches, leading the pool on goal difference.
India began aggressively and created early opportunities, with goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam denying South Africa’s Kayla de Waal in the fourth minute. India responded through Salima Tete and Sunelita Toppo, while South African goalkeeper Marlise van Tonder made a full-length save to deny Deepika from an early penalty corner.
India finally broke the deadlock in the 11th minute. Sakshi Rana’s attempt travelled towards the far post, where Sunelita Toppo reacted sharply to score.
Navneet Kaur doubled the advantage in the 17th minute with a powerful low slap hit from a penalty corner. India continued to dominate possession and pressure before Sushila Chanu added a third in the 25th minute after Deepika’s drag-flick took a deflection.
India entered half-time with a commanding 3-0 lead.
The Indian attack showed no signs of slowing after the break. Deepika produced a spectacular tomahawk into the bottom far corner in the 38th minute to make it 4-0.
Lalremsiami added the fifth goal in the 44th minute after receiving an aerial ball from Neha, cutting onto her reverse and finding the far post.
India struck again within a minute. Salima’s run created the opening for Ishika, whose attempt hit the post. Sakshi Rana reacted fastest to the rebound and fired a powerful reverse hit into the top corner to complete the scoring for India.
South Africa managed a consolation goal in the 55th minute when de Waal converted a penalty corner after a drag-flick from Pearce took a deflection off the first Indian rusher.
India remained composed in the closing stages to secure a comprehensive 6-1 victory, with six different players finding the scoresheet.
The result gives India three crucial points and a major boost ahead of their final Pool D match against England on August 20.
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