India produced a commanding performance to thrash South Africa 6-1 in their second Pool D match of the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026, recording their biggest ever victory in the tournament’s history. Six different players found the net in a display that underlined the depth and quality of Sjoerd Marijne’s side, and that moved India to the top of their group.
A record breaking performance
The 6-1 scoreline surpassed India’s previous biggest World Cup win, a 4-1 triumph over Spain in the inaugural 1974 edition. It was a victory built on relentless attacking intent and clinical finishing, with the team turning a comfortable contest into a rout through a prolific third quarter.
India had opened their campaign with a 2-2 draw against 2024 Olympic silver medallists China, and arrived against South Africa determined to secure all three points. They did so in emphatic fashion, scoring three goals in the third quarter alone to put the result beyond doubt.
The result gives India four points from two matches, and they now lead Pool D on goal difference, in a strong position to advance to the second round.
Six different scorers
The most impressive aspect of India’s performance was the spread of goals. Sunelita Toppo opened the scoring, and was followed on the scoresheet by Navneet Kaur, Sushila Chanu, Deepika, Lalremsiami and Sakshi Rana, as six different players found the net.
Navneet Kaur doubled India’s advantage in the second quarter, unleashing a powerful slap from a penalty corner for her second goal of the tournament. Deepika’s drag flick then deflected into the path of Sushila Chanu, who guided the ball home to make it 3-0 before the break.
The third quarter was where India truly cut loose. Deepika produced a fierce tomahawk in the 38th minute for her second goal of the competition, before Lalremsiami and Sakshi Rana struck in the final minutes of the quarter, both with powerful tomahawk finishes, to surge India into a 6-0 lead.
South Africa managed a consolation goal in the 55th minute through Kayla de Waal, but the contest had long since been decided.
Marijne demands more
Head coach Sjoerd Marijne, who has transformed India’s approach since taking charge, was characteristically demanding even with his side three goals up at half time, urging greater intensity from his players.
The response was immediate, with India scoring three times in a devastating third quarter spell that showcased the attacking depth at Marijne’s disposal. The coach’s insistence on maintaining standards, even when a match is already won, is a reflection of the culture he is trying to build within the squad.
The performance was a statement of intent from a side that has genuine ambitions of a deep run in this tournament.
The qualification picture
India now sit atop Pool D, and are in a strong position to advance. China’s 4-2 victory over England earlier on Tuesday means India need only a draw against England in their final pool match, on August 20, to secure qualification for the second round.
The equation is simple, but India will be wary of England, a side that has traditionally posed a stern test. A point would be enough, but Marijne’s side will approach the match looking to win and carry momentum into the knockout stages.
The victory over South Africa has given India both the points and the belief they need ahead of that decisive encounter.
A team on the rise
Indian women’s hockey has been on an upward trajectory in recent years, and this World Cup performance is further evidence of that progress. The team has established itself as one of the most improved sides in world hockey, and the depth of talent on display against South Africa bodes well for the future.
The likes of Salima Tete, who captained the side with distinction, Navneet Kaur and Lalremsiami have become household names, and the emergence of younger players alongside them has given the team a blend of experience and youthful energy.
For Indian hockey fans, the result against South Africa will have them dreaming of a deep run, and possibly more. The team’s best ever finish at a Women’s World Cup remains fourth place, achieved in 1974, and there is a growing belief that this side can surpass that mark.
The road ahead
India’s final pool match against England on August 20 is the immediate priority, with qualification for the second round within reach. Beyond that, the knockout stages await, and the team will back itself to compete with anyone on current form.
The 6-1 victory over South Africa was a statement performance, a display of the attacking quality and depth that makes this Indian side such a dangerous proposition. If they can maintain this level, the Women’s Hockey World Cup could prove to be a memorable tournament for Indian hockey.