All posts tagged: FIH Nations Cup

How the hockey star returned more powerful than before

How the hockey star returned more powerful than before

Published by Webster

As the Indian women’s hockey team celebrated the FIH Nations Cup title win last week, earning a well-deserved promotion back to the top tier FIH Pro League, Deepika Sehrawat took a moment for herself. For Deepika, who was the joint highest goal scorer in the tournament, the moment marked the glorious end to a gruelling year-long battle against her own body. Her nightmare began on 29 August last year when she picked up a Grade III hamstring tear during a match. The hamstring was completely ruptured and it required an intensive rehabilitation process. While her teammates battled on the field over the next ten months, Deepika waged a quiet, solitary war inside the gym. She was trapped in a frustrating, repetitive cycle of rest and rehabilitation, while also grappling with the heavy mental toll that came with it. “It is easy to get demoralised in such a situation,” said Deepika in a conversation with The Bridge, days after guiding India back to the FIH Pro League. “But they supported me a lot, saying I would …

Indian women crowned champions; earn promotion to Pro League

Indian women crowned champions; earn promotion to Pro League

Published by Webster

The Indian women’s hockey team was crowned champion of the 2025-26 FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Auckland, New Zealand on Sunday, earning promotion to the top-tier FIH Pro League for the next season. Navneet Kaur (4’) gave India the early lead before Sunelita Toppo (15’) doubled India’s advantage in the final against hosts New Zealand. The team then produced a stellar defensive display to protect their lead and win the title. In the final, New Zealand enjoyed the majority of possession in the early exchanges as they looked to make early inroads. However, the visitors manufactured the first meaningful opportunity of the game when Navneet won a penalty corner. She converted from the set-piece with a thunderous hit in the 4th minute, putting India in front. India were exceptional in transition, causing all sorts of problems for New Zealand’s defence with their intensity. They doubled their advantage through their fifth penalty corner of the opening quarter, with Sunelita Toppo deflecting a sharp attempt from Deepika, handing India a 2-0 lead in the 15th minute. India …

Indian women rout Chile in semi-finals

Indian women rout Chile in semi-finals

Published by Webster

The Indian women’s hockey team registered their fourth consecutive win, securing a dominant 6-0 victory against Chile in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup on Saturday. Navneet Kaur (6’, 13’), Deepika (14’, 18’), Neha (32’) and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (39’) found the back of the net for India, while captain Salima Tete was adjudged the ‘Player of the Match’ for her all-round performance as India booked their place in the final, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final to be played between the USA and hosts New Zealand. After an encouraging start to the game that saw India control possession in the early exchanges, they earned their first penalty corner in the 6th minute. Navneet made the opportunity count as her shot rifled into the corner of the goal to give India the lead. India added a cushion in the 13th minute after an exquisite run and cross from Salima from the left flank found Navneet unmarked in front of the Chilean post to deflect the ball in …