Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
India women’s national field hockey team qualified for the Hockey World Cup 2026 after sealing their place in the final of the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers. Playing in Hyderabad, the team edged past Italy 1–0 in the semi-final at the GMC Balayogi Hockey Stadium on Friday.
Manisha Chauhan scored the decisive goal in the 40th minute to guide India into the title clash, where they will face England women’s national field hockey team.
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The opening quarter was a tightly contested affair, with both teams battling for control in midfield. India began brightly and made a few promising circle entries, but Italy gradually settled into the contest and created a couple of dangerous opportunities in front of goal.
India regained momentum in the second quarter, using the flanks effectively to move the ball forward and build attacking pressure. In the 18th minute, the hosts earned their first penalty corner, but Navneet Kaur’s attempt was well saved by Italian goalkeeper Lucia Ines Caruso. India received another penalty corner in the 27th minute and tried an inventive variation, with the ball played back to injector Salima Tete, whose shot was stopped on the line by Italy’s last defender. Two minutes later, India had another chance from a penalty corner, but Navneet’s effort went off target.
Italy threatened early in the second half when Emilia Munitis broke through on goal, but Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam rushed out to make a crucial save. India finally broke the deadlock in the 40th minute after winning another penalty corner. Manisha Chauhan stepped up and fired a powerful drag-flick straight down the middle, beating the defence and finding the back of the net.
India continued to press in the final quarter and won two early penalty corners as they looked to extend their lead, but Italy’s defence held firm. The visitors pushed hard in the closing minutes and earned a penalty corner in the 59th minute, but India managed to hold their nerve and deny an equaliser to secure a narrow victory.
India will now take on England in the final on March 14 at 7:30 PM IST.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
