The Indian women’s hockey team signed off from the FIH World Cup with a historic fifth-place finish after producing a dominant 3-1 victory over higher-ranked Germany in the classification match here on Thursday.
Navneet Kaur’s brace and a goal from Ishika powered India to their best World Cup result in 52 years, with Lynn Krings scoring Germany’s consolation goal in the 59th minute.
Navneet Leads India’s Charge
After a goalless opening 43 minutes, India suddenly found another gear and scored three times in a sensational 17-minute spell.
Ishika broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute with a superb reverse hit after receiving the ball from Neha and driving into the circle.
Navneet then doubled India’s advantage from a penalty corner, using the same touch-and-slap technique to find the net.
The forward completed her brace in the 47th minute with an outstanding individual effort, dribbling past several German defenders before beating the goalkeeper with a direct strike.
Germany managed to pull one back through Krings in the 59th minute, but India comfortably held on for a memorable victory.
Best Finish Since 1974
The fifth-place finish marks India’s best performance at the women’s World Cup since the inaugural edition in 1974, when the team finished fourth under captain Ajinder Kaur.
The achievement is even more impressive given that 11 members of the current squad were making their World Cup debuts.
Ninth-ranked India suffered only one defeat throughout the tournament, losing 0-2 to hosts and Olympic champions the Netherlands.
India also held Olympic silver medallists China to a 2-2 draw in their opening match, defeated South Africa 6-1 and drew with England before a goalless draw against Australia ended their hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
Defence Stands Tall
India’s success against Germany was built on an outstanding defensive display, particularly after taking the lead.
Germany earned six penalty corners during the contest, but goalkeeper Bichoo Devi and the Indian defence repeatedly stood firm.
The German side had also defeated India in two practice matches before the tournament, making Thursday’s result an especially satisfying turnaround.
Both teams had tested each other throughout the first 43 minutes, but neither could break the deadlock as the contest moved at a cautious pace.
India gradually grew into the game before their attacking quality finally made the difference.
Marijne Celebrates Landmark Result
Coach Sjoerd Marijne, who previously guided India to a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics, was visibly delighted after the final hooter and celebrated with his players.
The result provides India with a major confidence boost ahead of next month’s Asian Games, where the team will look to carry its World Cup momentum into another major tournament.
After a campaign that demonstrated greater attacking efficiency, resilience and defensive discipline, India’s fifth-place finish has given the women’s team renewed belief on the international stage.
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