India Win FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup Title, Beating Hosts New Zealand 2-0

Auckland: India Women’s Hockey Team became the champions of the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup New Zealand 2025-26 by defeating the hosts 2-0 in the final played in Auckland on Sunday. Navneet Kaur (4′) gave India an early lead before Sunelita Toppo (15′) doubled India’s advantage. According to a press release, the team put on an excellent defensive display to maintain their lead and win the championship; this also marked their return to the FIH Hockey Women’s Pro League next season. Lalremsiami won the ‘Player of the Match’ award in the final, while Deepika finished the tournament as the top scorer with six goals to her name, sharing this honor with American Ashley Sessa. This was India’s second Nations Cup title after winning the inaugural tournament in 2022. India remained undefeated throughout the match by beating the USA (3-2), Japan (2-1) and Uruguay (3-2) in Group A. Before the match, which defeated Chile 6-0 in the semi-finals. They performed excellently in the final and clinched the championship by beating New Zealand 2-0.

To reward the achievements of the teams, Hockey India announced a cash prize of INR 3 lakh to each player and INR 1.5 lakh to each member of the support staff. In Sunday’s championship match, the home team gained the majority of possession in the early exchanges as they looked to make early moves. However, the guest team had the first meaningful opportunity of the match when Navneet won the penalty corner. He put India ahead in the 4th minute by converting from a set piece with a great shot. India were exceptional in transition and caused all kinds of problems for New Zealand’s defense with their intensity. Sunelita Toppo, who took the fifth penalty corner of the first quarter, parried Deepika’s hard attempt and put India ahead 2-0 in the 15th minute. While India were disciplined in the second quarter, New Zealand started to grow in the game and tried to break back. The visitors also had several opportunities to extend their lead. However, neither side could find the back of the net, resulting in India retaining a two-goal advantage in the first half. India remained resolute in the third quarter and put in a remarkable defensive display, keeping the hosts at bay and denying them clear goal-scoring opportunities. The visitors forced the New Zealand defense to make mistakes with their high intensity, but Navneet’s backhand shot was saved by the goalkeeper. New Zealand won a penalty corner in the opening exchange of the fourth quarter. However, the resulting set-piece was saved by Savita, preserving India’s two-goal lead. The guest team maintained its tight defensive structure perfectly and eventually won 2-0, securing the championship.