Indian Women's Hockey Team Dominates Chile with 6-0 Victory in Semi-Finals
Indian Women's Hockey Team Advances to Finals
File image of Indian women hockey team(Photo: @ZafaronIndigo/X)
Auckland, June 20: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team achieved their fourth straight victory, overpowering Chile with a decisive 6-0 scoreline in the semi-finals of the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26 held in Auckland on Saturday.
Navneet Kaur scored twice (6’, 13’), while Deepika netted two goals (14’, 18’), and Neha (32’) along with Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (39’) contributed to the scoreline. Captain Salima Tete was named the ‘Player of the Match’ for her outstanding performance, leading India to the finals where they will compete against the winner of the upcoming semi-final between the USA and New Zealand.
India started strong, controlling possession early on and earning their first penalty corner in the 6th minute. Navneet capitalized on this opportunity, firing a shot into the corner of the net to give India an early lead.
In the 13th minute, Salima made a brilliant run down the left flank, setting up Navneet for her second goal, deflecting the ball into the net. Deepika then scored from a penalty corner in the 14th minute, quickly followed by another goal from a set-piece in the 18th minute, extending India's lead to 4-0.
Deepika's two goals placed her at the top of the tournament's goal-scorers list with six goals overall.
With a comfortable 4-0 lead at halftime, India maintained their pressure on the Chilean team. Neha scored from another penalty corner in the 32nd minute, increasing the lead to 5-0. Rutuja Dadaso Pisal capped off the scoring in the 39th minute with a reverse hit from open play, making it 6-0.
In the final quarter, Savita was tested by Chilean forwards but made several impressive saves, ensuring that Chile could not breach the Indian defense. India held on to their commanding lead, securing a 6-0 victory and a place in the championship match.