India’s women’s hockey team opened their FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign with a 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China at the Wagner Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Sunday (Aug 16). India started well, earning a penalty corner in the fifth minute after Lalremsiami made a good run into the circle. Navneet’s first attempt was blocked, but she soon found the breakthrough.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the eighth minute, Neha’s pass from a free hit reached Navneet, who finished first-time to give India a 1-0 lead.&nbsp;China equalised in the 15th minute after Shilpi Dabas was penalised for bringing down an opponent inside the circle. Zhang Ying converted the resulting penalty stroke to make it 1-1.&nbsp;India regained the lead in the 26th minute, as Deepika made a fine run down the right, entered the circle and won a penalty corner before taking it herself. Her drag-flick hit a Chinese defender and went into the net. After a video review, the goal was confirmed, putting India 2-1 ahead.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sl-vs-ind-1st-test-padikkal-jurel-shine-as-india-dominate-rain-hit-day-2-1786885140397">SL vs IND, 1st Test: Padikkal, Jurel shine as India dominate rain-hit Day 2</a>&nbsp;China came out strongly after half-time and put India under pressure. Baljeet made an important save in the 32nd minute, while Savita also kept China from scoring. However, China found the equaliser in the 39th minute when Ma Ning scored from a penalty corner with a powerful drag-flick.&nbsp;The final quarter saw both teams searching for the winning goal. India came close through Navneet and Lalremsiami, while Bichu Devi Kharibam made several crucial saves to keep China from taking the lead.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rahmat-shah-breaks-record-for-highest-odi-score-by-afghanistan-captain-1786879415016">Rahmat Shah breaks record for highest ODI score by Afghanistan captain</a>&nbsp;Neither side could score again and the match ended 2-2, giving India a valuable point against the Olympic silver medallists.&nbsp;India will next face South Africa on Tuesday (Aug 18), followed by their final Pool match against England on Aug 20.

India began their Hockey World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China in Amstelveen.

India’s women’s hockey team opened their FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign with a 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China at the Wagner Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Sunday (Aug 16). India started well, earning a penalty corner in the fifth minute after Lalremsiami made a good run into the circle. Navneet’s first attempt was blocked, but she soon found the breakthrough. In the eighth minute, Neha’s pass from a free hit reached Navneet, who finished first-time to give India a 1-0 lead. China equalised in the 15th minute after Shilpi Dabas was penalised for bringing down an opponent inside the circle. Zhang Ying converted the resulting penalty stroke to make it 1-1. India regained the lead in the 26th minute, as Deepika made a fine run down the right, entered the circle and won a penalty corner before taking it herself. Her drag-flick hit a Chinese defender and went into the net. After a video review, the goal was confirmed, putting India 2-1 ahead. Also Read - SL vs IND, 1st Test: Padikkal, Jurel shine as India dominate rain-hit Day 2 China came out strongly after half-time and put India under pressure. Baljeet made an important save in the 32nd minute, while Savita also kept China from scoring. However, China found the equaliser in the 39th minute when Ma Ning scored from a penalty corner with a powerful drag-flick. The final quarter saw both teams searching for the winning goal. India came close through Navneet and Lalremsiami, while Bichu Devi Kharibam made several crucial saves to keep China from taking the lead. Also Read - Rahmat Shah breaks record for highest ODI score by Afghanistan captain Neither side could score again and the match ended 2-2, giving India a valuable point against the Olympic silver medallists. India will next face South Africa on Tuesday (Aug 18), followed by their final Pool match against England on Aug 20.

India began their Hockey World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China in Amstelveen.

FIH Hockey World Cup 2026: Indian women begin campaign with 2-2 draw against China

Vandana Katariya, one of the most accomplished and inspirational figures in India women hockey team, has announced her international retirement from international hockey. A name synonymous with resilience and determination, Vandana leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond the field. Her journey, marked by remarkable achievements and personal struggles, has inspired countless young athletes, especially women from small towns and rural areas.
Born in Roshnabad, Uttarakhand, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/vandana-katariya">Vandana Katariya</a>'s journey in hockey began at a time when the sport lacked significant support for women in India. Despite societal and financial challenges, she pursued her passion with relentless dedication. Her breakthrough came in 2013 when she played a crucial role in India&rsquo;s bronze medal victory at the Women&rsquo;s Hockey Junior World Cup. This performance marked her as a player to watch, and she continued to shine in subsequent tournaments.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ex-captain-charlotte-edwards-appointed-as-new-england-womens-team-head-coach-8914539">Ex-captain Charlotte Edwards appointed as new England women's team head coach</a>
Vandana's contribution to Indian hockey is unparalleled. She was part of the Indian squad that won gold at the 2016 Asian Champions Trophy, silver at the 2018 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/asian-games">Asian Games</a>, and was instrumental in India's historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. During the Tokyo Olympics, Vandana became the first Indian woman to score a hat-trick at the Games, an achievement that underscored her attacking prowess and cemented her place in the sport's history.
Her leadership qualities and experience also played a crucial role in India's qualification for major international tournaments. She was a mentor to many young players, guiding them through the pressures of top-level hockey. Vandana&rsquo;s tenacity and never-give-up attitude made her a beacon of hope for aspiring female athletes in India.
Vandana&rsquo;s success did not come without hardships. She faced financial difficulties growing up, and her family had to overcome societal prejudices about women in sports. One of the most tragic moments in her life came during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/tokyo-olympics">Tokyo Olympics</a> when she lost her father. Instead of leaving the tournament, she used the setback as motivation to perform at her best. This resilience not only won the hearts of fans but also inspired athletes worldwide.
Despite her numerous achievements, Vandana had to endure gender discrimination and caste-based abuse, especially after India&rsquo;s semi-final loss in Tokyo. However, she stood strong against the odds, becoming a symbol of courage and determination. Her ability to rise above adversity and continue to perform at the highest level remains one of the most inspiring aspects of her career.
<h2>Decision to retire</h2>
Announcing her retirement, Vandana expressed gratitude towards her coaches, teammates, and supporters. &ldquo;Hockey has given me everything. It has shaped my life and given me an identity. While it is hard to step away, I am content knowing that I have given my best to the sport and my country,&rdquo; she said in a heartfelt message.
Her retirement marks the end of an era for Indian women&rsquo;s hockey. However, Vandana said that no matter where, she will continue to support the team and cheer the loudest from the stands in the stadium or from home.&nbsp;
<h2>Her legacy</h2>
While her international career has come to an end, Vandana Katariya&rsquo;s impact on Indian hockey will endure. She has paved the way for young girls, proving that talent and hard work can break barriers.&nbsp;Reflecting on her journey, Vandana once said, &ldquo;If my story inspires even one young girl to pick up a hockey stick and dream big, I consider that my biggest victory.&rdquo;
When asked about what's next for her. Vandana replied with a smile and said, "I don't even know what to do right now. I guess, I need a little break to understand myself." 
Vandana finished as the most-capped player in the history of Indian women&rsquo;s hockey with 320 international appearances and 158 goals to her name.

Sports: Vandana Katariya's breakthrough came in 2013 when she played a crucial role in India’s bronze medal victory at the Women’s Hockey Junior World Cup

Vandana Katariya, one of the most accomplished and inspirational figures in India women hockey team, has announced her international retirement from international hockey. A name synonymous with resilience and determination, Vandana leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond the field. Her journey, marked by remarkable achievements and personal struggles, has inspired countless young athletes, especially women from small towns and rural areas. Born in Roshnabad, Uttarakhand, Vandana Katariya's journey in hockey began at a time when the sport lacked significant support for women in India. Despite societal and financial challenges, she pursued her passion with relentless dedication. Her breakthrough came in 2013 when she played a crucial role in India’s bronze medal victory at the Women’s Hockey Junior World Cup. This performance marked her as a player to watch, and she continued to shine in subsequent tournaments. Also Read: Ex-captain Charlotte Edwards appointed as new England women's team head coach Vandana's contribution to Indian hockey is unparalleled. She was part of the Indian squad that won gold at the 2016 Asian Champions Trophy, silver at the 2018 Asian Games, and was instrumental in India's historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. During the Tokyo Olympics, Vandana became the first Indian woman to score a hat-trick at the Games, an achievement that underscored her attacking prowess and cemented her place in the sport's history. Her leadership qualities and experience also played a crucial role in India's qualification for major international tournaments. She was a mentor to many young players, guiding them through the pressures of top-level hockey. Vandana’s tenacity and never-give-up attitude made her a beacon of hope for aspiring female athletes in India. Vandana’s success did not come without hardships. She faced financial difficulties growing up, and her family had to overcome societal prejudices about women in sports. One of the most tragic moments in her life came during the Tokyo Olympics when she lost her father. Instead of leaving the tournament, she used the setback as motivation to perform at her best. This resilience not only won the hearts of fans but also inspired athletes worldwide. Despite her numerous achievements, Vandana had to endure gender discrimination and caste-based abuse, especially after India’s semi-final loss in Tokyo. However, she stood strong against the odds, becoming a symbol of courage and determination. Her ability to rise above adversity and continue to perform at the highest level remains one of the most inspiring aspects of her career. Decision to retire Announcing her retirement, Vandana expressed gratitude towards her coaches, teammates, and supporters. “Hockey has given me everything. It has shaped my life and given me an identity. While it is hard to step away, I am content knowing that I have given my best to the sport and my country,” she said in a heartfelt message. Her retirement marks the end of an era for Indian women’s hockey. However, Vandana said that no matter where, she will continue to support the team and cheer the loudest from the stands in the stadium or from home. Her legacy While her international career has come to an end, Vandana Katariya’s impact on Indian hockey will endure. She has paved the way for young girls, proving that talent and hard work can break barriers. Reflecting on her journey, Vandana once said, “If my story inspires even one young girl to pick up a hockey stick and dream big, I consider that my biggest victory.” When asked about what's next for her. Vandana replied with a smile and said, "I don't even know what to do right now. I guess, I need a little break to understand myself." Vandana finished as the most-capped player in the history of Indian women’s hockey with 320 international appearances and 158 goals to her name.

Exclusive | Vandana Katariya: India women hockey's most capped player announces international retirement

Indian senior women's hockey coach Janneke Schopmann has made a big claim. After India's 2-1 win over USA, via shootout, in the FIH Pro League match in Rourkela on Sunday (Feb 18), the&nbsp;46-year-old former Dutch player&nbsp;alleged differential treatment meted out to her by&nbsp;the administrators of the sport in India. She went onto add that&nbsp;she has felt all alone since taking over as&nbsp;the head coach. Schopman further&nbsp;stated that&nbsp;her opinions have not been valued enough since taking over from Sjoerd Marijne.

<h2>‘I come from a culture where women are respected and valued,&nbsp;don’t feel that here’</h2>

Schopman&nbsp;said, "Because I come from a culture where women are respected and valued. I don’t feel that here. From not very many people – and I do feel people working here on the ground are amazing from Hockey India. But I feel it’s so hard."

She further opined, "I look at the difference in how men’s coaches are treated between me and the men’s coach, or the girls and the men’s team, just in general. They never complain and they work so hard. I am not saying, I don’t know, I don’t know why and I shouldn’t speak for them so I won't."

"I love them. I think they work so hard, they do what I ask, they wanna learn, wanna do new things but for me personally coming from the Netherlands, having worked in the USA, this country is extremely difficult as a woman, coming from a culture where, yeah, you can have an opinion and it’s valued. It’s really hard," the Dutch woman added.

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Schopman,&nbsp;who secured a gold medal with her national side&nbsp;in&nbsp;Beijing Olympics, took over from&nbsp;Marijne after the latter declined an extension offer. She served as the analytical coach for the women's hockey team in early 2020 but got elevated as the head coach following Tokyo Games.

The former Netherlands player pointed out, "Even when I was the assistant coach, some people wouldn't even look at me or wouldn't acknowledge me or wouldn't respond and then you become the chief coach and all of a sudden, people are interested in you. I struggled a lot with that. That is one thing."

Schopman has revealed that&nbsp;she is undecided&nbsp;on whether to stay on as the head coach. However, she was quick to point out that&nbsp;players want her to carry on and guide them.

"I'm going to reflect, 'did I do a good enough job, yes or no?'. I need to ask that myself. I have spoken to the players a little. I appreciate their opinion. They are the ones in charge. I think they need to want me to be there, that's the first decision. Also, I need to want to be there. Hockey India needs to want me to be there. At this point, I must say Dilip Tirkey has been very very supportive since the Asian Games and that, I have appreciated a lot. It's been tough for me, the team. I must say the support I haven't felt a lot in the last year so his support means a lot," she added.

Indian senior women's hockey coach Janneke Schopmann has made a big claim. After India's 2-1 win over USA, via shootout, in the FIH Pro League match in Rourkela on Sunday (Feb 18), the 46-year-old former Dutch player alleged differential treatment meted out to her by the administrators of the sport in India.

Indian senior women's hockey coach Janneke Schopmann has made a big claim. After India's 2-1 win over USA, via shootout, in the FIH Pro League match in Rourkela on Sunday (Feb 18), the 46-year-old former Dutch player alleged differential treatment meted out to her by the administrators of the sport in India. She went onto add that she has felt all alone since taking over as the head coach. Schopman further stated that her opinions have not been valued enough since taking over from Sjoerd Marijne. ‘I come from a culture where women are respected and valued, don’t feel that here’ Schopman said, "Because I come from a culture where women are respected and valued. I don’t feel that here. From not very many people – and I do feel people working here on the ground are amazing from Hockey India. But I feel it’s so hard." She further opined, "I look at the difference in how men’s coaches are treated between me and the men’s coach, or the girls and the men’s team, just in general. They never complain and they work so hard. I am not saying, I don’t know, I don’t know why and I shouldn’t speak for them so I won't." "I love them. I think they work so hard, they do what I ask, they wanna learn, wanna do new things but for me personally coming from the Netherlands, having worked in the USA, this country is extremely difficult as a woman, coming from a culture where, yeah, you can have an opinion and it’s valued. It’s really hard," the Dutch woman added. Also read: Tennis: Italy's Jannik Sinner savours Rotterdam success after Australian Open high Schopman, who secured a gold medal with her national side in Beijing Olympics, took over from Marijne after the latter declined an extension offer. She served as the analytical coach for the women's hockey team in early 2020 but got elevated as the head coach following Tokyo Games. The former Netherlands player pointed out, "Even when I was the assistant coach, some people wouldn't even look at me or wouldn't acknowledge me or wouldn't respond and then you become the chief coach and all of a sudden, people are interested in you. I struggled a lot with that. That is one thing." Schopman has revealed that she is undecided on whether to stay on as the head coach. However, she was quick to point out that players want her to carry on and guide them. "I'm going to reflect, 'did I do a good enough job, yes or no?'. I need to ask that myself. I have spoken to the players a little. I appreciate their opinion. They are the ones in charge. I think they need to want me to be there, that's the first decision. Also, I need to want to be there. Hockey India needs to want me to be there. At this point, I must say Dilip Tirkey has been very very supportive since the Asian Games and that, I have appreciated a lot. It's been tough for me, the team. I must say the support I haven't felt a lot in the last year so his support means a lot," she added.

This country is extremely difficult as a woman, says India women’s hockey team coach Janneke Schopmann

Indian senior women's hockey coach Janneke Schopmann has made a big claim. After India's 2-1 win over USA, via shootout, in the FIH Pro League match in Rourkela on Sunday (Feb 18), the&nbsp;46-year-old former Dutch player&nbsp;alleged differential treatment meted out to her by&nbsp;the administrators of the sport in India. She went onto add that&nbsp;she has felt all alone since taking over as&nbsp;the head coach. Schopman further&nbsp;stated that&nbsp;her opinions have not been valued enough since taking over from Sjoerd Marijne.

<h2>'I come from a culture where women are respected and valued,&nbsp;don’t feel that here'</h2>

Schopman&nbsp;said, "Because I come from a culture where women are respected and valued. I don’t feel that here. From not very many people – and I do feel people working here on the ground are amazing from Hockey India. But I feel it’s so hard."

She further opined, "I look at the difference in how men’s coaches are treated between me and the men’s coach, or the girls and the men’s team, just in general. They never complain and they work so hard. I am not saying, I don’t know, I don’t know why and I shouldn’t speak for them so I won't."

"I love them. I think they work so hard, they do what I ask, they wanna learn, wanna do new things but for me personally coming from the Netherlands, having worked in the USA, this country is extremely difficult as a woman, coming from a culture where, yeah, you can have an opinion and it’s valued. It’s really hard," the Dutch woman added.

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Schopman,&nbsp;who secured a gold medal with her national side&nbsp;in&nbsp;Beijing Olympics, took over from&nbsp;Marijne after the latter declined an extension offer. She served as the analytical coach for the women's hockey team in early 2020 but got elevated as the head coach following Tokyo Games.

The former Netherlands player pointed out, "Even when I was the assistant coach, some people wouldn't even look at me or wouldn't acknowledge me or wouldn't respond and then you become the chief coach and all of a sudden, people are interested in you. I struggled a lot with that. That is one thing."

Schopman has revealed that&nbsp;she is undecided&nbsp;on whether to stay on as the head coach. However, she was quick to point out that&nbsp;players want her to carry on and guide them.

"I'm going to reflect, 'did I do a good enough job, yes or no?'. I need to ask that myself. I have spoken to the players a little. I appreciate their opinion. They are the ones in charge. I think they need to want me to be there, that's the first decision. Also, I need to want to be there. Hockey India needs to want me to be there. At this point, I must say Dilip Tirkey has been very very supportive since the Asian Games and that, I have appreciated a lot. It's been tough for me, the team. I must say the support I haven't felt a lot in the last year so his support means a lot," she added.

Indian senior women's hockey coach Janneke Schopmann has made a big claim. After India's 2-1 win over USA, via shootout, in the FIH Pro League match in Rourkela on Sunday (Feb 18), the 46-year-old former Dutch player alleged differential treatment meted out to her by the administrators of the sport in India. She went onto add that she has felt all alone since taking over as the head coach. Schopman further stated that her opinions have not been valued enough since taking over from Sjoerd Marijne. 'I come from a culture where women are respected and valued, don’t feel that here' Schopman said, "Because I come from a culture where women are respected and valued. I don’t feel that here. From not very many people – and I do feel people working here on the ground are amazing from Hockey India. But I feel it’s so hard." She further opined, "I look at the difference in how men’s coaches are treated between me and the men’s coach, or the girls and the men’s team, just in general. They never complain and they work so hard. I am not saying, I don’t know, I don’t know why and I shouldn’t speak for them so I won't." "I love them. I think they work so hard, they do what I ask, they wanna learn, wanna do new things but for me personally coming from the Netherlands, having worked in the USA, this country is extremely difficult as a woman, coming from a culture where, yeah, you can have an opinion and it’s valued. It’s really hard," the Dutch woman added. Also read: Tennis: Italy's Jannik Sinner savours Rotterdam success after Australian Open high Schopman, who secured a gold medal with her national side in Beijing Olympics, took over from Marijne after the latter declined an extension offer. She served as the analytical coach for the women's hockey team in early 2020 but got elevated as the head coach following Tokyo Games. The former Netherlands player pointed out, "Even when I was the assistant coach, some people wouldn't even look at me or wouldn't acknowledge me or wouldn't respond and then you become the chief coach and all of a sudden, people are interested in you. I struggled a lot with that. That is one thing." Schopman has revealed that she is undecided on whether to stay on as the head coach. However, she was quick to point out that players want her to carry on and guide them. "I'm going to reflect, 'did I do a good enough job, yes or no?'. I need to ask that myself. I have spoken to the players a little. I appreciate their opinion. They are the ones in charge. I think they need to want me to be there, that's the first decision. Also, I need to want to be there. Hockey India needs to want me to be there. At this point, I must say Dilip Tirkey has been very very supportive since the Asian Games and that, I have appreciated a lot. It's been tough for me, the team. I must say the support I haven't felt a lot in the last year so his support means a lot," she added.

This country is extremely difficult as a woman, claims India women's hockey team coach Janneke Schopmann

Savita Punia-led India women's hockey team will step onto the pitch once again as they face Australia in the semi-finals at the ongoing Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022 edition in Birmingham. The Indian team is riding high on confidence after ending as the second-best side in Pool A, only behind England, by beating the likes of Ghana, Canada and Wales.

Beating Canada 3-2, India stormed into the last four and will be facing the mighty Australians. While the Aussies are favourites, India will&nbsp;like to take inspiration from their Tokyo 2020 win over the Kangaroos, in the quarter-finals. Will the result favour the Indians once again?

All you need&nbsp;to know about the live streaming details of the marquee face-off:

When will India vs Australia&nbsp;Women's Hockey CWG 2022&nbsp;clash kickoff?

The India vs Australia Women's Hockey CWG 2022&nbsp;clash will start at 8:15 PM IST&nbsp;on Friday (August 05).

Where will&nbsp;India vs Australia&nbsp;Women's Hockey CWG 2022&nbsp;be played?

The India vs Australia Women's Hockey CWG 2022&nbsp;match will take place&nbsp;in Birmingham, England.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cwg22-badminton-r-16-live-streaming-when-where-to-watch-sindhu-starrer-indian-shuttlers-games-503862">CWG'22, badminton R-16 live streaming: When &amp; where to watch Sindhu-starrer Indian shuttlers' games?</a>

Where will India vs Australia&nbsp;Women's Hockey CWG 2022 be telecast&nbsp;on TV in India?

India vs Australia Women's Hockey CWG 2022&nbsp;match's live telecast will be available on Sony Sports Network.

Where will India vs Australia&nbsp;Women's Hockey CWG 2022 match's live streaming take place&nbsp;in the country?

India vs Australia Women's Hockey CWG 2022&nbsp;match's&nbsp;live streaming&nbsp;will be on Sony Liv.

Savita Punia-led India women's hockey team will step onto the pitch once again as they face Australia in the semi-finals at the ongoing Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022 edition in Birmingham.

Savita Punia-led India women's hockey team will step onto the pitch once again as they face Australia in the semi-finals at the ongoing Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022 edition in Birmingham. The Indian team is riding high on confidence after ending as the second-best side in Pool A, only behind England, by beating the likes of Ghana, Canada and Wales. Beating Canada 3-2, India stormed into the last four and will be facing the mighty Australians. While the Aussies are favourites, India will like to take inspiration from their Tokyo 2020 win over the Kangaroos, in the quarter-finals. Will the result favour the Indians once again? All you need to know about the live streaming details of the marquee face-off: When will India vs Australia Women's Hockey CWG 2022 clash kickoff? The India vs Australia Women's Hockey CWG 2022 clash will start at 8:15 PM IST on Friday (August 05). Where will India vs Australia Women's Hockey CWG 2022 be played? The India vs Australia Women's Hockey CWG 2022 match will take place in Birmingham, England. ALSO READ | CWG'22, badminton R-16 live streaming: When & where to watch Sindhu-starrer Indian shuttlers' games? Where will India vs Australia Women's Hockey CWG 2022 be telecast on TV in India? India vs Australia Women's Hockey CWG 2022 match's live telecast will be available on Sony Sports Network. Where will India vs Australia Women's Hockey CWG 2022 match's live streaming take place in the country? India vs Australia Women's Hockey CWG 2022 match's live streaming will be on Sony Liv.

India vs Australia SF live streaming: When and where to watch CWG 2022 women's hockey match in India?

The Indian women's hockey team continued its unbeaten run and defeated South Korea 3-0 here on Friday to enter the semifinals of the FIH Junior World Cup for only the second time.

The Indians, who topped the pool stage with an all-win record, scored through Mumtaz Khan (11th minute), Lalrindiki (15th) and Sangita Kumari (41st) to emerge winners in the quarterfinal match.

India's best result in the tournament remains the bronze medal finish at the 2013 edition in Monchengladbach, Germany, where they defeated England 3-2 in shootout following a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time.

Against Korea, India made a sedate start but found their footing 10 minutes into the game.

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The Indian players used their speed and defence-splitting runs to trouble the Korean backline, which resulted in two penalty corners, the first of which was capitalised by Mumtaz.

It was Olympian Sharmila Devi's brilliant run and a resultant pass that created the short corner for India and Mumtaz deflected home skipper Salima Tete's slap for her sixth goal of the tournament.

Seconds from the end of first quarter, Lalrindiki doubled India's lead by tapping in a rebound after Deepika's reverse shot was saved by Korean goalkeeper Eunji Kim.

The second quarter was more physical from both the teams but it was India who dominated possession.

The Indian defence was impressive in the first two quarters as the Koreans hardly tested goalkepeer Bichu Devi Kahribam, whose only involvement in the first 30 minutes was when she comfortably kicked away Korean skipper Seona Kim's miscued shot just before half time.

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South Africa earned their first penalty corner of the match after the change of ends, but Seona Kim's deflection went just over the bar.

Minutes later, India extended their lead through Sangita, who pushed home in an open goal after Korean goalkeeper Eunji Kim was thrown off balance by Beauty Dung Dung's miscued shot.

Despite enjoying a comfortable three-goal advantage, the Indians never let the momentum slip out of their hands and, instead, continued to press hard.

India will next face the winner of the other quarterfinal between three-time champions Netherlands and South Africa on Sunday.

The Indian women's hockey team continued its unbeaten run and defeated South Korea 3-0 here on Friday to enter the semifinals of the FIH Junior World Cup for only the second time.

The Indian women's hockey team continued its unbeaten run and defeated South Korea 3-0 here on Friday to enter the semifinals of the FIH Junior World Cup for only the second time. The Indians, who topped the pool stage with an all-win record, scored through Mumtaz Khan (11th minute), Lalrindiki (15th) and Sangita Kumari (41st) to emerge winners in the quarterfinal match. India's best result in the tournament remains the bronze medal finish at the 2013 edition in Monchengladbach, Germany, where they defeated England 3-2 in shootout following a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time. Against Korea, India made a sedate start but found their footing 10 minutes into the game. ALSO READ: 'I've got to play Wimbledon first': Serena Williams teases comeback after a year on the sidelines The Indian players used their speed and defence-splitting runs to trouble the Korean backline, which resulted in two penalty corners, the first of which was capitalised by Mumtaz. It was Olympian Sharmila Devi's brilliant run and a resultant pass that created the short corner for India and Mumtaz deflected home skipper Salima Tete's slap for her sixth goal of the tournament. Seconds from the end of first quarter, Lalrindiki doubled India's lead by tapping in a rebound after Deepika's reverse shot was saved by Korean goalkeeper Eunji Kim. The second quarter was more physical from both the teams but it was India who dominated possession. The Indian defence was impressive in the first two quarters as the Koreans hardly tested goalkepeer Bichu Devi Kahribam, whose only involvement in the first 30 minutes was when she comfortably kicked away Korean skipper Seona Kim's miscued shot just before half time. ALSO READ: Korea Open: Lakshya Sen bows out after crushing loss to Indonesia's Shesar Hiren Rhustavito South Africa earned their first penalty corner of the match after the change of ends, but Seona Kim's deflection went just over the bar. Minutes later, India extended their lead through Sangita, who pushed home in an open goal after Korean goalkeeper Eunji Kim was thrown off balance by Beauty Dung Dung's miscued shot. Despite enjoying a comfortable three-goal advantage, the Indians never let the momentum slip out of their hands and, instead, continued to press hard. India will next face the winner of the other quarterfinal between three-time champions Netherlands and South Africa on Sunday.

Women's Jr Hockey World Cup: India storms into semifinals with clinical 3-0 victory over South Korea

India women's hockey team captain Rani Rampal said on Friday that her team was "100 percent" confident about defeating Argentina in the Tokyo Olympic Games semifinal and win a medal, but the side conceded a number of penalty corners which led to the defeat. 
 
"I feel 100 percent we could have won the semifinal match against Argentina. We took an early lead in the match and put them under pressure. We executed everything (the) coaches told us but conceding PCs (penalty corners) cost us," Rani said on Friday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-putin-and-lukashenko-play-ice-hockey-for-one-team-guess-how-many-goals-russian-president-scored-441255">Watch: Putin and Lukashenko play ice hockey for one team; guess how many goals Russian President scored</a> 
 
"But I think it was a huge learning experience for all the players in the team who will get an understanding of how to remain calm in knockout matches of big tournaments. We will surely get better the next time," a confident Rani said. 
 
Rani, however, said that the pain of not being able to win a medal will remain with the team forever. 
 
"2021 proved to be a good year for us. We could have won a medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games. We will always feel the pain of not being able to do that, because we were so close. It was not hard to accept it at first," she said. 
 
"But we finished 12th in 2016 when we went to Rio Olympics and this time at Tokyo Olympics we finished 4th. So, it has been a big growth for women's hockey. When we returned, the Indian fans appreciated our efforts. We felt that we did something good that fans are giving us so much love and respect. This gives us confidence to do even better in future," Rani added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-women-ice-hockey-development-camp-started-at-drass-in-minus-19-degree-temperatures-437388">First women ice hockey development camp started at Drass in minus 19 degree temperatures</a> 
 
The captain said that doubts had crept in among the players ahead of the Olympics as they were under pressure physically and mentally because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and at times, it felt it was "becoming difficult" to push oneself. 
 
"For every athlete in the world, the past two years have been quite challenging due to COVID. Most of the athletes were at their peak before the Tokyo Olympics were postponed. A lot of doubts crept up in athletes when we were placed in the bio-bubble. It was becoming difficult to push yourself mentally, physically, emotionally, at that time," Rani said.

India women's hockey team captain Rani Rampal said on Friday that her team was "100 percent" confident about defeating Argentina in the Tokyo Olympic Games semifinal and win a medal, but the side conceded a number of penalty corners which led to the defeat.

India women's hockey team captain Rani Rampal said on Friday that her team was "100 percent" confident about defeating Argentina in the Tokyo Olympic Games semifinal and win a medal, but the side conceded a number of penalty corners which led to the defeat. "I feel 100 percent we could have won the semifinal match against Argentina. We took an early lead in the match and put them under pressure. We executed everything (the) coaches told us but conceding PCs (penalty corners) cost us," Rani said on Friday. ALSO READ: Watch: Putin and Lukashenko play ice hockey for one team; guess how many goals Russian President scored "But I think it was a huge learning experience for all the players in the team who will get an understanding of how to remain calm in knockout matches of big tournaments. We will surely get better the next time," a confident Rani said. Rani, however, said that the pain of not being able to win a medal will remain with the team forever. "2021 proved to be a good year for us. We could have won a medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games. We will always feel the pain of not being able to do that, because we were so close. It was not hard to accept it at first," she said. "But we finished 12th in 2016 when we went to Rio Olympics and this time at Tokyo Olympics we finished 4th. So, it has been a big growth for women's hockey. When we returned, the Indian fans appreciated our efforts. We felt that we did something good that fans are giving us so much love and respect. This gives us confidence to do even better in future," Rani added. ALSO READ: First women ice hockey development camp started at Drass in minus 19 degree temperatures The captain said that doubts had crept in among the players ahead of the Olympics as they were under pressure physically and mentally because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and at times, it felt it was "becoming difficult" to push oneself. "For every athlete in the world, the past two years have been quite challenging due to COVID. Most of the athletes were at their peak before the Tokyo Olympics were postponed. A lot of doubts crept up in athletes when we were placed in the bio-bubble. It was becoming difficult to push yourself mentally, physically, emotionally, at that time," Rani said.

'We'll always feel the pain', Hockey team captain Rani Rampal recalls Olympics bronze medal loss to Argentina