The Indian Women’s Hockey Team maintained its unbeaten run at the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26 with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Uruguay in its final Pool A match in Auckland on Thursday.
The win ensured India finished at the top of the group with a perfect record, having defeated the USA, Japan and Uruguay in the pool stage. The United States also progressed to the semi-finals after securing second place in the standings.
India had to come from behind after Uruguay struck first through Chiara Appennino, who converted a penalty corner in the 13th minute. Despite the early setback, India responded strongly and restored parity before halftime through drag-flick specialist Deepika, who scored from a penalty corner in the 24th minute.
Deepika’s Late Goal Seals Dramatic Victory
India took control of the contest after the break and was rewarded in the 43rd minute when Deepika Soreng found the back of the net with a well-taken field goal to hand her side a 2-1 lead.
Uruguay, however, refused to back down and levelled the scores in the 55th minute through captain Manuela Vilar, setting up a tense finale.
The Indian response was immediate. Just a minute later, Deepika converted another penalty corner to restore India’s lead and ultimately seal all three points. The brace took her tally for the match to two goals and capped another influential performance from the striker.
India created the majority of the attacking opportunities throughout the match, earning seven penalty corners compared to Uruguay’s two. The victory was also a memorable occasion for midfielder Neha, who made her 200th senior international appearance for India.
With three wins from three matches, India will enter the semi-finals full of confidence as it continues its bid for the Nations Cup title and a place in the next season of the FIH Pro League. India is expected to face either Chile or Korea in the semi-finals on June 20.
