India Women Finish 5th at 2026 Hockey World Cup

The Indian women's hockey team secured a historic fifth-place finish at the 2026 FIH Hockey Women's World Cup, marking their best result at the tournament since the inaugural edition in 1974. The milestone was achieved with a 3-1 victory over Germany in the fifth-sixth place classification match at Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on August 27. In contrast, the Indian men's team concluded their campaign in eighth place after a heartbreaking 4-3 penalty shootout loss to co-hosts Belgium following a 3-3 draw in their seventh-eighth place match at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre on August 28. The women's team, led by captain Salima Tete and chief coach Sjoerd Marijne, delivered a disciplined performance against world number five Germany. After a goalless first half where Germany controlled possession, India shifted momentum after the break. Ishika Chaudhary broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute, and Navneet Kaur scored twice in quick succession to build a commanding 3-0 lead. Germany pulled a goal back, but veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia made crucial late saves to preserve the win.