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India women hockey net 11 goals at World Cup
BBC News··15 Sept
India's women hockey team finished fifth at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, their best result since fourth in 1974. Coach Sjoerd Marijne, back since January 2026, led a side captained by Salima Tete. India now sit eighth in world rankings after two wins, three draws and one defeat. The Asian Games in Japan begin on Saturday.
Prism
What It Means For You
- The Asian Games open Saturday with China, Japan and South Korea among likely tough rivals.
- Players including Navneet Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu and Lalremsiami return after 2023 Asian Games bronze.
- Former captain Pritam Siwach said converting chances and scoring more goals remain priorities.
What's Happening
- Goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam's save against England featured in India's World Cup turnaround.
- India held China, England and Australia to draws while scoring fewer goals and conceding few.
- Marijne previously coached the Tokyo Olympics run that finished fourth in 2021.
What changed after Marijne returned
- Hockey India's brief, Marijne said, was to create unity and show the team enjoying itself.
- India scored 11 World Cup goals, including six against South Africa, and none against several top sides.
- The squad spans ages from 18-year-old Sakshi Rana to 36-year-old midfielder Savita.
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