India hammer South Africa 6-1 in FIH Women's World Cup

India registered their first win of the Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, beating South Africa 6-1 in their second Pool D match at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, on Tuesday. Sunelita Toppo (11’), Navneet Kaur (17’), Sushila Chanu (25’), Deepika (38’), Lalremsiami Hmarzote (44’) and Sakshi Rana (45’) scored for world No. 9 India. Kayla de Waal (55’) pulled one back for 18th-ranked South Africa. India, who held Olympic silver medallists People’s Republic of China to a 2-2 draw in their opening match, remain unbeaten with four points from two games.The victory also lifted India to the top of Pool D on goal difference. China are also on four points after beating England 4-2 earlier on Tuesday, while England have three. South Africa are yet to open their account.

6-1. Let that sink in. They have turned up meaning business. @TheHockeyIndia Women's team on a roll today. @SjoerdMarijne with the magic wand at the big events. pic.twitter.com/z5B75wynqx

— Digvijay Singh Deo (@DiggySinghDeo) August 18, 2026

South Africa created the first major opportunity of the match in the fourth minute when de Waal found herself through on goal but Bichu Devi Kharibam made an important save. India responded immediately, with captain Salima Tete driving forward on the right before finding Sunelita, whose effort was kept out by South African goalkeeper Marlise van Tonder. The breakthrough arrived in the 11th minute as India patiently worked the ball around the South African circle before Sakshi Rana’s attempt reached Sunelita at the far post. The 19-year-old hockey player reacted sharply to apply the finishing touch and put India ahead. India doubled their advantage two minutes into the second quarter through a well-worked penalty corner routine. Navneet changed the angle before firing a low slap hit into the backboard to make it 2-0. A penalty-corner drag-flick from Hannah Pearce took a deflection off the first Indian rusher, with de Waal reacting quickest at the far post to make it 6-1.