A brilliant hat-trick by Navneet Kaur guided the India women’s national field hockey team to a commanding 4–1 victory over Wales women’s national field hockey team in a Pool B match of the Women’s Hockey World Cup Qualifiers on Wednesday.
Navneet struck in the 29th, 34th and 55th minutes, while Sakshi Rana opened the scoring in the seventh minute at the GMC Balayogi Hockey Stadium.
Although India had already secured a semi-final berth before the match, the emphatic win ensured that the hosts finished top of the table in Pool B. India will now face Italy women’s national field hockey team on Friday for a place in the final.
Early Dominance by India
India began the match with great intensity, displaying speed and sharp attacking moves in the opening quarter. Despite Wales employing a high press, the hosts managed to create early chances.
The breakthrough came in the 7th minute when Salima Tete drove down the right flank and set up Sakshi Rana, who fired a powerful reverse hit from the edge of the circle to give India the lead.
India nearly doubled their advantage soon after when Udita struck from a penalty corner, but the effort was cleared off the goal line.
Navneet Takes Control
India maintained the momentum in the second quarter with a swift counterattack involving Navneet and Lalremsiami, but Welsh goalkeeper Ffion Horrell denied the chance.
India’s goalkeeper Bichu Devi also made an important save in the 25th minute, stopping Wales’ first penalty corner of the match.
The second goal arrived in the 29th minute when Navneet converted a penalty corner with a powerful low shot, doubling India’s lead. Five minutes later, after Sakshi earned another penalty corner with a fine run, Navneet struck again to make it 3–0.
Wales Pull One Back
Wales managed to reduce the deficit in the 39th minute when Betsan Thomas capitalised on a brief defensive lapse and scored from a tight angle to bring the score to 3–1.
In the final quarter, Wales had an opportunity to close the gap when they were awarded a penalty stroke in the 50th minute, but captain Elizabeth Bingham missed the chance.
Hat-Trick Seals Victory
Navneet completed her hat-trick in the 55th minute, calmly converting a penalty stroke to seal a convincing 4–1 win for India and underline the team’s dominance in the tournament.
