Daijiworld Media Network - Auckland
Auckland, Jun 21: India emerged champions of the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26, defeating hosts New Zealand 2-0 in a commanding final on Sunday to lift their second title and book a place in next season’s FIH Hockey Women’s Pro League.
Navneet Kaur opened the scoring in the fourth minute before Sunelita Toppo doubled India's advantage in the 15th minute, as the team produced an impressive all-round display backed by a disciplined defensive performance.
Lalremsiami was named Player of the Match for her contribution in the final, while striker Deepika finished as the tournament's joint highest scorer with six goals, sharing the honour with USA forward Ashley Sessa.
This triumph marks India's second Women's Nations Cup title after winning the inaugural edition in 2022.
India enjoyed an unbeaten campaign throughout the tournament. They registered victories over the United States (3-2), Japan (2-1) and Uruguay (3-2) during the group stage before demolishing Chile 6-0 in the semi-final to set up a title clash with New Zealand.
To celebrate the achievement, Hockey India announced cash rewards of Rs 3 lakh for each player and Rs 1.5 lakh for every member of the support staff.
In a statement posted on X, Hockey India said the rewards were a recognition of the team's exceptional achievement and a tribute to their efforts in bringing glory to the nation.
In the final, New Zealand dominated possession in the opening minutes, but India struck first through a penalty corner. Navneet Kaur converted with a powerful strike in the fourth minute to put her side ahead.
India continued to threaten with swift counter-attacks and energetic transitions. Their pressure paid off again when Sunelita Toppo deftly redirected Deepika's attempt during India's fifth penalty corner of the opening quarter, extending the lead to 2-0 in the 15th minute.
New Zealand attempted to recover in the second quarter and enjoyed improved control of the game, but India's disciplined structure denied them any breakthrough. Despite a few opportunities at both ends, the score remained unchanged at halftime.
India's defensive resilience stood out in the third quarter as they successfully neutralised the hosts' attacking efforts. Their aggressive pressing also forced mistakes from the New Zealand defence, although Navneet was denied a second goal by the goalkeeper.
The hosts earned an early penalty corner in the final quarter, but veteran goalkeeper Savita made an important save to preserve India's advantage.
India maintained their composure in the closing stages, successfully shutting down New Zealand's attacks to seal a memorable 2-0 victory and add another major international title to their growing list of achievements.
The win not only underlines India's progress in women's hockey but also secures their return to the elite FIH Hockey Women’s Pro League for the upcoming season.