The Indian and England women’s hockey teams have secured places in the final of the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026, held in Hyderabad, Telangana, following hard-fought semi-final victories at the G. M. C. Balayogi Hockey Ground (Gachibowli Hockey Complex) on Friday, March 13. India defeated Italy 1-0, while England overcame Scotland 2-0.

The India-Italy match began with a tightly contested first quarter, as both teams battled for midfield control. India started strongly with several aggressive circle entries, but Italy countered with their own offensive moves, creating promising chances.

In the second quarter, India regained momentum, pushing the ball along the flanks and attacking in numbers. In the 18th minute, India earned their first penalty corner, but Italian goalkeeper Lucia Ines Caruso made a crucial save against Navneet Kaur’s attempt. A second penalty corner in the 27th minute saw Captain Salima Tete’s shot denied by Italy’s last defender. Another chance came in the 29th minute, but Kaur’s shot went off target.

The breakthrough arrived in the 40th minute when India was awarded another penalty corner. Manisha Chauhan executed a powerful drag-flick that pierced the Italian defence and found the back of the net, breaking the deadlock. India defended resolutely in the final quarter, denying Italy an equaliser despite a penalty corner in the 59th minute.

Meanwhile, England secured victory over Scotland earlier in the evening, with two late first-half goals by Lottie Bingham (24:12) and Darcy Bourne (28:05) ensuring a 2-0 triumph.