India Hold Olympic Silver Medallists China to Thrilling 2-2 Draw in World Cup Opener

The Indian Women’s Hockey Team began their FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China at the Wagener Hockey Stadium.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗔 𝗪𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗨𝗣 𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗚𝗡! 🔥🇮🇳

The Indian Women’s Team showed immense character, resilience and fighting spirit to secure a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China in their opening match of the FIH Hockey… pic.twitter.com/QIYons4rEN

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 16, 2026

Captain Salima Tete and her team twice took the lead against one of the tournament favourites, showcasing resilience, tactical discipline and attacking intent to secure a valuable point in their opening Pool D fixture.

Also Read:India Begin World Cup Campaign with Convincing Win

India started aggressively, dominating possession and making early circle entries. Their pressure was rewarded in the 8th minute when Navneet Kaur controlled a precise pass inside the circle, turned sharply and fired the ball past the Chinese goalkeeper to give India the lead.

China responded late in the opening quarter after earning a penalty stroke following a circle challenge. Zhang Ying made no mistake from the spot to restore parity.

India continued to play with composure and intensity in the second quarter. In the 25th minute, Deepika earned a crucial penalty corner and then stepped up to take the set-piece herself. Her powerful flick took a deflection off the Chinese defensive line before looping into the top of the net, putting India 2-1 ahead at half-time.

China increased the pressure after the interval and pushed India deep during the third quarter. Indian goalkeeper Savita Punia produced several important saves, but China eventually found the equaliser in the 39th minute when Ma Ning converted a penalty-corner drag-flick.

The final quarter became a tense battle, with both sides creating opportunities. China threatened through late penalty corners, but India's defence stood firm. Brave defensive efforts from Shilpi Dabas and Nikki Pradhan helped the Women in Blue withstand the pressure and earn a deserved draw.

With one point each, India and China sit behind group leaders England in Pool D. India will now look to build on their impressive opening performance when they face South Africa in their next Pool D encounter.