India ended their FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Germany on Thursday, securing fifth place and their best finish at the tournament since their fourth-place effort in 1974.
The contest took time to come alive, with neither team able to find a clear opening during the opening 15 minutes. Germany had some possession around the Indian circle, but the Indian defence remained organised and kept the danger under control.
India came closest to taking the lead in the second quarter when Navneet Kaur and captain Salima Tete tested German goalkeeper Finja Starck in quick succession. Starck stood tall, making three saves in the same passage of play to keep the score level.
Germany, meanwhile, struggled to make their penalty corners count as India continued to defend in numbers. Despite the pressure, however, the hosts were unable to turn their opportunities into a breakthrough.
The game changed after the interval. India finally found the opening goal in the 43rd minute when Ishika Chaudhary broke into the circle and produced a superb reverse hit to beat Starck.
The goal gave India fresh momentum, and they doubled their advantage almost immediately. Navneet, from a penalty corner, fired a powerful effort beyond the German goalkeeper.
Germany were suddenly under serious pressure, and India made the most of it early in the final quarter. Navneet completed her brace in the 47th minute, showing excellent composure to take the ball around the advancing goalkeeper before lifting her finish into the net.
Germany pulled one back in the dying minutes of the final quarter. Savita Punia made a brilliant double save under heavy pressure, but the rebound fell to Viktoria Krings, who slapped it into the net to open Germany’s account.
The result capped a strong World Cup campaign for the Indian women’s team. They produced several impressive performances against higher-ranked opposition, including draws against China, England and Australia.
The fifth-place finish marks India’s best result at a Women’s Hockey World Cup in 52 years, providing another significant step forward for the team on the global stage.
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