India begin campaign with a 4-0 victory over Uruguay in FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers

India opened their FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 Hyderabad, Telangana, campaign with a dominant 4-0 win over Uruguay at the GMC Balayogi Hockey Ground at the Gachibowli Hockey Complex in Hyderabad on Sunday.

Sunelita Toppo (21′), Ishika (40′), Lalremsiami (49′) and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (58′) scored the goals for the home side as they brooked no challenge from the South American women.

India women celebrate their 4-0 victory over Uruguay at the GMC Balayogi Hockey Ground at the Gachibowli Hockey Complex in Hyderabad on Sunday

It was a bright start to the match in the first quarter as India made multiple circle entries and several goalscoring chances. In the 4th minute, the home side won the first penalty corner of the night as Udita found the net after a beautifully orchestrated variation but her shot went a bit high and hence the goal wasn’t given. Uruguay too had their moments as they banked on counterattacking hockey but India’s resilient backline held their ground.

In the 21st minute, India broke the deadlock through a penalty corner as Sunelita Toppo showed great reflexes to pounce on the rebound and tap the ball into the net to open the scoring. Five minutes later, India received another penalty corner but this time, Annu’s dragflick was stopped by the Uruguayan defence.

India hold most of the possession

India held most of the possession in the second quarter. In the 29th minute Uruguay won their first penalty corner of the night, but the opportunity was squandered as India managed to swiftly defend their goal and hold the slim lead.

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy meets the Indian women before their game against Uruguay on Sunday

In the 36th minute, India were through on goal as Navneet Kaur found herself unmarked in front of the post but Uruguay’s goalkeeper Maria Bate stepped out and delivered a decisive save. In the 40th minute, India launched a quick attack as Sakshi Rana played a brilliant pass into the circle to Ishika who did well to slot the ball into the bottom left corner. Uruguay were awarded a penalty corner as well in the 40th minute but they couldn’t reduce the deficit.

In the 49th minute, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal did well to dribble down the left flank and pass the ball to Lalremsiami in the midfield who carried the ball into the circle and delivered a powerful finish past the goalkeeper to score an incredible field goal for her side.

With just over two minutes left on the clock, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (58′) dribbled down the middle and struck a powerful shot to find the net and seal the big victory for India. India will next face Scotland on March 9.

Earlier, Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy meet India and Uruguay players and wished them the best for the tournament.

England defeated Italy 5-2 in the opening game on Sunday

England dominate Italy in 5-2 win

In the first game of the day, England, the highest ranked team in the competition, showed their dominance with a 5-2 victory over Italy.

Grace Balsdon (12′,32′), Lottie Bingham (15′), Elizabeth Neal (16′) and Anna Toman (27′) scored the goals for England while Ivanna Pessina (19′) and Federica Carta were the goalscorers for Italy.

Korea got the better of Austria 1-0 in a tough contest

Korea get the better of Austria 1-0

Korea came through a tough contest as they managed to eke out a 1-0 win over Austria. Seona Kim (34′) was the lone goalscorer for Korea.

Scotland down Wales 1-0

Scotland too took full points from their game against Wales as the shut out their rivals with a 1-0 victory. Amy Costello (20′) scored the winning goal for Scotland in the second quarter.

Scotland managed to down Wales 1-0

But for most part of the game, neither side was able to breach the rival defence. Scotland will take on hosts India in their next game.

The live streaming of FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers matches will be available on Star sports Khel and JioHotstar.