India continued their remarkable form on the international stage, defeating hosts New Zealand 2-0 in the final on Sunday to clinch their second FIH Women's Nations Cup title and secure promotion to the FIH Women's Pro League for the upcoming season.
Goals from Navneet Kaur in the fourth minute and Sunelita Toppo in the 15th minute proved decisive as India combined clinical finishing with a resolute defensive performance to emerge champions. The triumph marks India's second Nations Cup crown, having also won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2022.
Forward Lalremsiami was named the Player of the Match for her outstanding contribution in the final, while Deepika finished as the tournament's joint-highest scorer with six goals, sharing the honour with USA striker Ashley Sessa.
India's title-winning campaign was flawless from start to finish, with the team remaining unbeaten throughout the competition. They opened their Pool A campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the USA, followed it up with a 2-1 win against Japan, and then edged past Uruguay 3-2. The Indian side carried that momentum into the semi-finals, where they produced a dominant display to thrash Chile 6-0 and book their place in the final.
Also read: India boxers win 12 medals in Czechia
In recognition of the team's outstanding achievement, Hockey India announced a cash reward of Rs 3 lakh for each player and Rs 1.5 lakh for every member of the support staff.
The final began with New Zealand enjoying the lion's share of possession as the hosts looked to assert themselves early. However, India struck first with their opening meaningful attack. Navneet earned a penalty corner and then converted it herself with a powerful drag-flick in the fourth minute to give India an early advantage.
India's quick transitions and aggressive pressing continued to trouble the New Zealand defence. Their pressure paid off again in the 15th minute when they won their fifth penalty corner of the opening quarter. Deepika's sharp effort was brilliantly deflected by Sunelita Toppo into the net, doubling India's lead and putting the visitors firmly in control.
The second quarter saw India maintain their discipline while New Zealand gradually began to find more rhythm in attack. Both teams created opportunities, but neither side was able to add to the scoreline, allowing India to head into the half-time break with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.
India's defensive organisation came to the fore in the third quarter. The visitors remained compact and disciplined, denying New Zealand any clear-cut chances despite sustained pressure. Their intensity also forced errors from the hosts, and India nearly added a third goal, only for Navneet's reverse-hit effort to be denied by the goalkeeper.
New Zealand earned a penalty corner early in the final quarter, offering them a lifeline back into the contest. However, Indian goalkeeper Savita produced a crucial save to preserve the two-goal cushion. From there, India continued to defend with determination and composure, frustrating the hosts and maintaining their shape until the final whistle.
The 2-0 victory sealed a memorable title triumph for India, capping off an unbeaten campaign and confirming their return to the prestigious FIH Women's Pro League next season.
Follow us
