The Indian women’s hockey team was held to a 2–2 draw by Scotland in their second Pool B match of the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 at the G.M.C. Balayogi Hockey Ground in Hyderabad on Monday.
Despite the draw, India remains at the top of Pool B with four points, edging Scotland on goal difference after two matches.
Scotland Strike First
Scotland made a strong start to the match, taking the lead in the 6th minute through Heather McEwan, who converted a penalty corner to put the visitors ahead.
India responded well and found the equaliser in the 18th minute, when Navneet Kaur struck to bring the hosts back into the contest.
India Take the Lead
The momentum shifted in India’s favour just before halftime as Sunelita Toppo scored in the final minute of the second quarter, giving the hosts a 2–1 lead going into the break.
Scotland Fight Back
Scotland refused to give up and drew level in the third quarter, with Fiona Burnet finding the net after a well-worked move to make it 2–2.
Both teams pushed for a winner in the final quarter, but strong defending at both ends ensured the score remained unchanged.
Match Summary
India 2 – 2 Scotland
Scotland: Heather McEwan (6’), Fiona Burnet
India: Navneet Kaur (18’), Sunelita Toppo
India had earlier begun their campaign with a 4–0 win over Uruguay, and the draw keeps them firmly in contention for a semi-final spot in the qualifiers.
The top teams from the tournament will secure qualification for the 2026 FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup, to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands later this year.
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