India thrash Uruguay 4-0 in FIH Women’s World Cup Qualifiers
The Indian women’s hockey team began its FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2026 campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over Uruguay in Hyderabad. Sunelita Toppo, Ishika, Lalremsiami and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal scored as India dominated the contest
Hyderabad: The Indian women’s hockey team opened its FIH World Cup Qualifiers 2026 campaign with a dominant 4-0 win over Uruguay here on Sunday.
Sunelita Toppo (21′), Ishika (40′), Lalremsiami (49′) and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (58′) scored for the home side.
It was a bright start to the match in the first quarter as India made multiple circle entries and several goal-scoring chances.
In the 4th minute, the home side won the first penalty corner of the night as Udita found the net after a beautifully orchestrated variation but her shot went a bit high and hence the goal wasn’t given.
Uruguay too had their moments as they banked on counterattacking hockey but India’s resilient backline held their ground.
In the 21st minute, India broke the deadlock through a penalty corner as Sunelita Toppo (21′) showed great reflexes to pounce on the rebound and tap the ball into the net to open the scoring.
Five minutes later, India received another penalty corner but this time, Annu’s drag flick was stopped by the Uruguayan defence. India held most of the possession in the second quarter.
In the 29th minute Uruguay won their first penalty corner of the night but the opportunity was squandered as India managed to swiftly defend their goal and hold the slim lead.
In the 36th minute, India were through on goal as Navneet Kaur found herself unmarked in front of the post but Uruguay’s goalkeeper Maria Bate stepped out and delivered a decisive save.
In the 40th minute, India launched a quick attack as Sakshi Rana played a brilliant pass into the circle to Ishika (40′) who did well to slot the ball into the bottom left corner.
Uruguay were awarded a penalty corner as well in the 40th minute but they couldn’t reduce the deficit.
In the 49th minute, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal did well to dribble down the left flank and pass the ball to Lalremsiami (49′) in the midfield who carried the ball into the circle and delivered a powerful finish past the goalkeeper to score an incredible field goal for her side.
With just over two minutes left on the clock, Rutuja Pisal (58′) dribbled down the middle and struck a powerful shot to find the net and seal the big victory for India.
India will next face Scotland on Monday.
England defeat Italy
On the opening day of the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026, England defeated Italy with a dominant scoreline of 5-2, while Korea beat Austria 1-0 in a tight contest at the GMC Balayogi Hockey Ground here on Sunday.
Grace Balsdon (12′,32′), Lottie Bingham (15′), Elizabeth Neal (16′) and Anna Toman (27′) scored the goals for England, while Ivanna Pessina (19′) and Federica Carta were the goalscorers for Italy. In the second match, Seona Kim (34′) was the lone goalscorer for Korea.
Later in the day, Scotland will face Wales and hosts India will clash against Uruguay.
The Live Streaming of FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers Hyderabad, Telangana 2026 matches will be available on Star Sports Khel and JioHotstar.
