India defeated Italy 1-0 within the semifinal of the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifier in Hyderabad. Manisha Chauhan scored the decisive purpose because the hosts secured a spot within the ultimate, the place they’ll face England
Printed Date – 14 March 2026, 12:07 AM
Hyderabad: Indian bagged the spot within the ultimate of FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifier, beating Italy 1-0 of their Semi-Last contest on the G. M. C. Balayogi Hockey Floor (Gachibowli Hockey Advanced) on Friday. Manisha Chauhan (40′) scored the successful purpose for India, and they’re going to now face England within the Last.
It was a particularly tight contest within the first quarter as each side continually battled for possession within the midfield. India began the match strongly with a few robust circle entries; nonetheless, Italy finally began attacking aggressively and created a couple of good possibilities on purpose.
India gained the momentum again within the second quarter. The hosts used their flanks to push the ball forward and began attacking in numbers, making essential circle entries. Within the 18th minute, India gained the primary penalty nook of the night, however Navneet Kaur’s shot on purpose was stopped effectively by Italian goalkeeper Lucia Ines Caruso. Within the twenty seventh minute, they have been awarded one other penalty nook as India performed out an fascinating variation. The ball was performed again to the injector, Captain Salima Tete, however her shot was stopped on the road by Italy’s final defender, denying them a purpose. Within the twenty ninth minute, India had one other alternative to attain by way of a penalty nook, however Navneet Kaur’s shot went off course.
Within the early minutes of the second half, Italy launched a powerful assault on purpose as Emilia Munitis was by way of on purpose, however India’s goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam got here out and made an important save. Within the fortieth minute, India have been awarded yet one more penalty nook and this time they efficiently transformed it to interrupt the impasse. Manisha Chauhan (40′) delivered a robust dragflick down the center that pierced by way of the Italian defence and located the web.
India gained two early penalty corners within the ultimate quarter as they pushed to extend their benefit within the late stage, however Italy remained resilient with their defending. Italy gave it their all within the ultimate minutes of the match and gained an important penalty nook within the 59th minute, however India managed to disclaim their opposition the equaliser and emerged victorious.
India will subsequent face England within the Last on 14th March at 7:30 PM IST.
Caption: India girls celebrating a purpose in opposition to Italy.
