India’s campaign at the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 came to a heartbreaking end after the Indian team were held to a 0-0 draw by Australia in their crucial second-round clash in Amstelveen on Sunday. Australia advanced to the semifinals after finishing level with India on points and goal difference but edging ahead on goals scored.
India needed a win to secure a place in the last four, while Australia only needed to avoid defeat. Neither side managed to break the deadlock in a tense contest, bringing an end to India’s hopes of reaching the World Cup semifinals.
India’s defence stands firm
Australia began the match on the front foot and thought they had taken an early lead through Grace Stewart, but India successfully challenged the decision and the goal was overturned following a video referral.
The Australians continued to create pressure and earned penalty-corner opportunities, but India’s defence remained resolute. Goalkeepers Bichu Devi and Savita were called into action at different stages as Australia looked for the breakthrough.
India gradually grew into the contest and created opportunities of their own, but the decisive finish remained elusive. The teams went into half-time with the score still 0-0.
Australia again appeared to have found the breakthrough in the third quarter, but a video review ruled out the goal after the ball was adjudged to have struck an Indian defender’s arm.
India push for winning goal
With a semifinal place at stake, India increased their attacking pressure in the final quarter. Salima Tete, Navneet Kaur and Lalremsiami were involved in India’s attempts to find a late winner, but Australia’s defence held firm.
India eventually took the risk of removing their goalkeeper and added an outfield player in the closing stages. Australia, however, managed the final moments effectively and prevented India from finding the goal they needed.
The final whistle confirmed a 0-0 draw, sending Australia through to the semifinals on goals scored and ending India’s campaign at the tournament. India will now compete in the classification match for fifth place.
Salima Tete rues missed chances
India captain Salima Tete admitted that the team were disappointed after failing to convert their opportunities against Australia. “We came so close, but we let this game go out of our hands,” Tete said after the match, while stressing that the team would fight to finish fifth.
Despite missing out on the semifinals, India’s campaign was a strong one, with the team remaining in contention for a place in the last four until the final match of the second round. Their hopes ultimately ended because of the narrow tie-breaker involving goals scored.
