Indian Women Clinch Dominant Win Over South Africa at Emstelveen

The Indian women’s hockey squad secured a dominant 6-1 victory over South Africa on Tuesday at the Vagners Hockey Stadium in Emstelveen, strengthening their hold on the top position in Pool D of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. After a 2-2 stalemate with China, the win lifted India to four points, keeping them unbeaten.

India’s offensive thrust was evident early, with a penalty corner awarded in the seventh minute when Baljeet Kaur’s foot made contact with the ball inside the circle. Deepika’s attempt to convert the set piece was blocked by the South African defense.

The breakthrough came in the 11th minute: Saksi Rana’s shot created a chance for Sunelita Toppo, who finished to give India a 1-0 lead.

A green card shown to South Africa’s Ishika Choudhary shortly after forced India to play with ten players for a short spell, but the side maintained its momentum.

Navneet Kaur’s powerful slap hit from a penalty corner in the 17th minute doubled the score, sending the ball off the backboard and into the net.

The third goal was registered in the 25th minute when Deepika’s drag flick was deflected to Sushila Chanu, who calmly placed the ball past the keeper.

India’s attacking rhythm continued, and in the 38th minute Navneet exchanged passes with Baljeet before Deepika unleashed a backhand tomahawk shot that found the lower corner for the fourth goal.

Two minutes later, Neha, positioned inside the circle, received an aerial ball and used a reverse stick to fire the ball into the far post, making it 5-0.

The sixth goal arrived in the 45th minute after Salima’s pass reached Ishika; her shot rebounded to Saksi Rana, who responded with a rapid reverse hit into the top corner.

South Africa’s only goal came in the 55th minute when Kayla de Vaal converted a penalty corner, narrowing the score to 6-1. No further goals were recorded.

India remains unbeaten and will finish its Pool D campaign against England on August 20.