India’s women’s hockey team booked a place in the final of the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 after edging past Italy 1-0 in the semi-final in Hyderabad on Friday.
The tightly contested match saw both teams battle hard for control in midfield, with chances created at both ends. India dominated the second quarter and earned multiple penalty corners but failed to convert. Italy threatened early in the second half, but goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam produced a crucial save.
The breakthrough finally came in the 40th minute when Manisha Chauhan fired a powerful drag-flick from a penalty corner to score the only goal. India will face England in the final on March 14.