FIH Women's Nations Cup 2026: India come from behind to defeat USA 3-2 in opening match
Auckland, June 15
The Indian women's hockey team staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down to defeat the United States 3-2 in their opening Pool A match of the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup on Sunday at the North Harbour National Hockey Centre in Auckland.
For India, Deepika netted a brace, and Navneet Kaur scored a goal, while Ashley Sessa and Madeleine Zimmer were on the scoresheet for the USA.
Deepika, who marked a stunning return to the Indian team with a brace, was also awarded the Player of the Match.
The USA got off to a great start and opened the scoring through Ashley Sessa (4'), who found the back of the net with a field goal in the fourth minute. The Americans doubled their advantage just three minutes later when Madeleine Zimmer (7') converted a penalty corner to put India under early pressure.
Trailing by two goals, India gradually began to assert itself in attack. Their efforts paid off in the second quarter when drag-flick specialist Deepika (17') successfully converted a penalty corner to reduce the deficit and bring India back into the game.
The momentum continued to swing in India's favour as they earned another penalty corner midway through the quarter. Deepika (24') stepped up once again and successfully converted another penalty corner to level the score at 2-2.
India maintained the pressure and completed a stunning turnaround before halftime. Navneet Kaur (28') converted a penalty corner to hand India the lead for the first time in the match, ensuring the team entered the break with a 3-2 advantage.
The second half saw both teams battle intensely in search of goals. Both sides earned six penalty corners each over the course of the match, but neither defence allowed any further breakthroughs in the remaining two quarters.
India successfully held on to their advantage in the closing stages to secure all three points and begin their Nations Cup campaign on a winning note. Following the victory, India moved to second place in Pool A with three points, level with Japan, who lead the standings on goal difference.
India will next face Japan in their second Pool A match of the tournament on June 16 at 6:30 am.
— ANI
Reader Comments
So proud of Navneet Kaur's goal just before halftime - that was the game-changer! To be honest, the first 10 minutes had me worried. The USA looked sharp initially but our defence tightened up brilliantly in the second half. Japan next will be a tough test though. Hope the momentum continues.
As someone who follows both teams, I think the USA started well but couldn't sustain the intensity. India's fitness has improved massively - they didn't tire in the second half. Deepika's drag-flicks were world-class today. Congratulations to India on a well-deserved win!
Great comeback but we need to work on our starts - conceding two goals in the first 7 minutes is not ideal against stronger teams. The good thing is we showed character and didn't panic. Navneet Kaur has been consistent for us. Japan will be a real test - they're very disciplined defensively. Let's keep this momentum going! 🏑
Impressive resilience from India. The way they dominated the second quarter was something special - three goals in a 11-minute span! USA didn't know what hit them. This Indian team has a real fighting spirit that reminds me of the 2022 Commonwealth Games performance. Looking forward to seeing how far they go in this tournament.
Deepika deserves all the praise today! Coming back after being out of the team and scoring a brace - that's the stuff of champions! But I'm a bit concerned about the number of penalty corners we got (6) but only converted 3. Against top teams like Netherlands or Argentina, we
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