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India lost 0-2 to England in the FIH Women’s Hockey Qualifier but secured a spot in the major tournament. Hockey India congratulated Salima Tete on her 150th appearance.
India Lose 0-2 To England
The Indian Women’s Hockey Team clinched second place at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, narrowly losing 0-2 to England in the final held at the G. M. C. Balayogi Hockey Ground on Saturday.
England’s Grace Balsdon (13′) and Elizabeth Neal (43′) were the scorers. India started aggressively with Navneet Kaur securing a penalty corner within the first two minutes, but her drag flick was thwarted by the England goalkeeper.
The home team displayed strong defensive discipline while making offensive advances. As the first quarter neared its end, England began to gain momentum and earned a penalty corner with two minutes left.
Grace Balsdon (13′) capitalized on this, scoring her fifth penalty corner goal of the tournament, putting England ahead.
The second quarter mirrored the first in terms of tight competition, with both teams playing cautiously. India managed eight circle penetrations in the first half but didn’t significantly challenge the England goalkeeper, allowing England to maintain their one-goal lead at halftime.
With the advantage, England dictated the pace by handling the ball efficiently and keeping possession. India had several chances to increase the pressure but England’s defense remained resolute.
Elizabeth Neal (43′) extended England’s lead in the third quarter with a deflected shot that slipped past Bichu Devi, making it 2-0.
Despite India’s persistent efforts to score, England maintained their composure and continued their proactive approach, not allowing India to capitalize on any opportunities. The final quarter saw India earn a late penalty corner, but they were unable to convert, ending the match with a 2-0 defeat.
(With Agency Inputs)
March 14, 2026, 10:06 pm IST
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