India defeated Japan 2-1 in their second Pool A match of the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup 2026 in Auckland to secure a semi-final berth. Captain Salima Tete and Lalremsiami scored for India, while Hiramitsu Ai netted for Japan. The victory keeps India unbeaten and atop Pool A with six points. Midfielder Jyoti also celebrated her 100th senior international appearance.
Auckland: The Indian Women's Hockey Team defeated Japan 2-1 in their second Pool A match of the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup New Zealand 2026 on Tuesday at the North Harbour National Hockey Centre in Auckland to secure a spot in the semi-finals, having won both their pool games so far.
Captain and 'Player of the Match' Salima Tete (33') and Lalremsiami (49') netted the goals for India while Hiramitsu Ai (35') was the lone goalscorer for Japan. It was a memorable game for midfielder Jyoti who marked her 100th senior international appearance.
The first half was extremely tight with both sides creating chances but none could break the deadlock till half-time.
The game opened up in the third quarter as India scored first in the 33rd minute through a nicely executed penalty corner variation. Navneet Kaur's strike was deflected perfectly to Salima by Nikki Pradhan, and the skipper slotted it into the goal to give India the lead.
-
Healthy Relationship Tips: Is the distance increasing in the relationship? The biggest solution is to talk openly with your partner.
-
It was love while eating momos, in Hapur the lover took the life of his girlfriend.
-
Essential things for traveling in monsoon
-
Man forcefully enters Arbaaz Khan’s car, bouncers throw him out, actor seen shocked by the incident
-
Indian Railways’ befitting reply to Rahul Gandhi’s post, “Don’t spread confusion”
