Women’s Hockey World Cup Qualifiers: England makes India pay for missed opportunities

England clinches gold at Women’s Hockey World Cup Qualifiers, defeating India 2-0 amid missed opportunities for the host team.

England made the most of its opportunities while India paid the price for missed chances as the former clinched the gold medal at the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup Qualifiers. In Saturday’s final at the G.M.C. Balayogi Stadium here, England defeated the host 2-0 to emerge victorious.

India responded to head coach Sjoerd Marijne’s pre-match call for an aggressive approach and began brightly. Within the opening minute, Suchila Chanu’s aerial ball found Navneet Kaur inside the circle, and her shot struck Flora Peel’s foot. India reviewed the decision and earned its first penalty corner. However, Miriam Pritchard denied Navneet’s attempt with a fine goal-line save.

Sunelita Toppo and Navneet then combined neatly before the latter slipped a clever no-look pass to Lalremsiami, who failed to connect cleanly with her shot. India controlled possession despite England’s high press but struggled to find the decisive final pass. The visitor, meanwhile, made sure to test goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam whenever possible.

In the 12th minute, Sophie Hamilton fired a shot that Bichu Devi blocked with her left foot.

Despite India’s positive start, England took the lead a minute later. Bingham won a penalty corner and Grace Balsdon converted with a low strike that beat Bichu Devi, with Navneet unable to intervene on the goal line.

India nearly drew level early in the second quarter when Lalremsiami drove into the circle from the left and set up Ishika, whose shot narrowly missed the far post. At the other end, England briefly thought it had doubled its lead through Anna Toman from a penalty corner. But the goal was ruled out for dangerous play.