24 Aug 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : India’s women’s hockey team crashed out of the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 after being held to a goalless draw by Australia in a decisive second-round match at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands. India needed a win to reach the semi-finals, but could not find the breakthrough.
India Needed a Win
The equation was straightforward after the Netherlands defeated China 4-1 earlier in the day. India had to beat Australia to progress to the semi-finals, while Australia needed only a draw.
The 0-0 result therefore sent Australia through to the last four, while India’s campaign moved into the classification matches.
Australia Start Strongly
Australia dominated possession during the early stages and created pressure around the Indian circle.
The Hockeyroos appeared to score in the second minute through Grace Stewart, but India successfully challenged the decision. The goal was overturned after the referral showed the ball had come off the stick rather than Salima Tete’s foot.
India Struggle to Convert Chances
India fought hard for the goal they desperately needed but were unable to convert their attacking opportunities.
A promising move involving Lalremsiami and Navneet Kaur went begging in the 48th minute, while Australia’s defence continued to frustrate India’s forwards.
The inability to turn possession and attacking moves into goals ultimately proved decisive.
Bichu Devi and Savita Keep India Alive
India’s defensive unit was repeatedly tested as Australia pushed forward.
Goalkeepers Bichu Devi and Savita Punia made important saves to keep the Hockeyroos from breaking the deadlock. Bichu produced a particularly important stop in the 54th minute after an Australian attacker found space following a defensive error.
India Remove Goalkeeper in Final Push
With more than five minutes remaining, India removed their goalkeeper in an attempt to create an extra attacking player and force the winner.
The gamble nearly backfired when Australia earned a penalty corner late in the match. India challenged the decision, but the referral failed and the penalty corner was retained.
Australia Hold On
Even with the Indian goal unguarded, Australia could not find the decisive touch from the resulting penalty-corner situation.
India also produced a crucial defensive intervention through Salima Tete, but the final whistle eventually confirmed a 0-0 draw.
Australia Advance on Goals Scored
The two teams finished level on points and goal difference, but Australia advanced because they had scored more goals during the relevant pool stage.
Australia scored three goals compared with India’s two, making the difference in the tiebreaker and ending India’s semi-final hopes.
India to Play for Fifth Place
India finished third in Pool E and will now compete in the classification matches for fifth and sixth place.
Although the semi-final dream is over, the team still has an opportunity to finish the World Cup on a positive note.
A Disappointing End to a Promising Campaign
India’s campaign had included an impressive 6-1 victory over South Africa and a goalless draw against England that secured their place in the second round.
However, after a 0-2 defeat to the Netherlands, India needed maximum points against Australia and ultimately paid the price for their lack of goals in the decisive contest.