Punjab Newsline,Sports :
Manisha Chauhan’s Brilliant Goal Seals Victory, India to Face England in Final
Hyderabad, March 14: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team delivered an impressive performance to defeat Italy 1-0 in the semi-final of the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 and secure a place in the final. The thrilling encounter was played at the G.M.C. Balayogi Hockey Ground (Gachibowli Hockey Complex) in Hyderabad, where Manisha Chauhan scored the decisive goal in the 40th minute to guide India to victory.
Both teams started the match with high intensity, making the first quarter a tightly contested battle. India looked strong in the early minutes with a couple of promising circle entries, but Italy soon responded with aggressive attacks and created a few scoring opportunities, keeping the Indian defence alert.
In the second quarter, India regained momentum and started controlling the pace of the game. The hosts used the flanks effectively and launched several attacking moves towards the Italian goal. In the 18th minute, India earned their first penalty corner of the match, but Navneet Kaur’s powerful shot was brilliantly saved by Italian goalkeeper Lucia Ines Caruso.
India continued to put pressure on the Italian defence. In the 27th minute, they received another penalty corner and attempted a clever variation. The ball was played back to captain Salima Tete, but her shot was cleared off the line by Italy’s last defender. Just two minutes later, India earned yet another penalty corner, however Navneet Kaur’s attempt went off target.
Italy began the second half with a strong attacking move as Emilia Munitis managed to break through towards the Indian goal. However, Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam came forward quickly and made a crucial save to keep the scores level.
The decisive moment came in the 40th minute when India won another penalty corner. This time, Manisha Chauhan executed a powerful drag flick straight through the Italian defence and into the net, giving India a crucial 1-0 lead.
In the final quarter, India pushed hard to extend their lead and earned two early penalty corners, but Italy’s defence held firm. Italy made one last attempt to equalise and won a penalty corner in the 59th minute, but the Indian defence remained solid and successfully protected their lead.
With this victory, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team has advanced to the final, where they will face England on March 14 at 7:30 PM IST in what promises to be an exciting title clash.