India began their FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 campaign with a spirited 2-2 draw against 2024 Olympic silver medallists China at the Wagener Hockey Stadium today.
Navneet and Deepika scored for India, while Ying Zhang and Ma Ning found the net for China as the two sides shared the points in an entertaining Pool D contest.
India made an aggressive start and put China under pressure with sustained possession and attacking intent. Lalremsiami won India’s first penalty corner after drawing a foul inside the circle, but Navneet’s effort was dealt with by the Chinese defence.
India’s pressure paid off in the eighth minute. Neha sent the ball into the circle from outside the D and Navneet got the final touch to put India ahead.
China responded strongly and were awarded a penalty stroke in the 14th minute following a foul inside the circle. India referred the decision, but the original call stood, and Ying Zhang made no mistake from the spot to level the scores.
India regained control in the second quarter and continued to create chances. Deepika came close to restoring the lead after a fine individual run into the circle earned India another penalty corner.
Deepika took responsibility for the set piece and fired a powerful drag-flick into the net in the 25th minute to put India 2-1 ahead.
India carried the lead into half-time, but China returned from the break with greater intensity. The Chinese side pressed higher and created several opportunities, forcing goalkeeper Savita into action.
China eventually found the equaliser in the 39th minute when Ma Ning converted a penalty corner with a superb drag-flick.
China dominated possession and territory for much of the third quarter, but Savita produced another important save to keep India level. The Indian defence also stood firm to ensure the teams entered the final quarter at 2-2.
China continued to push for the winner in the final quarter, while India looked for opportunities on the counter. India created one of their best openings in the 52nd minute when Navneet’s cutback found Lalremsiami inside the circle, but the Chinese defence managed to crowd out the attempt.
China earned another penalty corner in the 57th minute, but India successfully defended the situation to preserve the draw.
Neither side could find a decisive goal in the closing stages as the match ended 2-2.
England lead Pool D after their 4-0 victory over South Africa, with India and China level on points in second place and South Africa fourth.
India will next face South Africa on August 18, while the Indian men’s team take on England in their second World Cup match on August 17.
(Inputs from Hockey India)
