India women began their Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against reigning Olympic silver medallists China at the Wagner Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Sunday.
Navneet opened the scoring in the eighth minute after converting a pass from Neha, but China levelled through Zhang Ying’s penalty stroke. Deepika restored India’s lead in the 25th minute with a powerful penalty-corner strike, sending India into half-time ahead. China fought back in the second half and found the equaliser to ensure the points were shared. India had opportunities to regain the lead, including during a two-minute period when China were reduced to 10 players, but could not find the decisive goal.
The draw gives Salima Tete’s side a valuable point against one of the tournament favourites.