India Women Thrash South Africa 6-1 in Hockey World Cup, Register Biggest-Ever Win

India produced a commanding performance at the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026, thrashing South Africa 6-1 in their second Pool D match at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, on Tuesday. The emphatic victory was India’s first of the tournament and their biggest-ever win in Women’s Hockey World Cup history.

After opening their campaign with an impressive 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China, India entered the contest needing a strong result to boost their chances of progressing to the next round.

The Salima Tete-led side responded in style, controlling the game and repeatedly putting the South African defence under pressure.

India vs South Africa – As It Happened

Sunelita Toppo opened the scoring in the first quarter, giving India a deserved 1-0 lead. South Africa struggled to contain India’s movement and attacking combinations as the match progressed.

The Indian side then produced a spectacular third quarter, scoring three times to take the game firmly away from their opponents. Navneet Kaur, Sushila Chanu, Deepika and Lalremsiami were among the players who found the net as India continued to dominate. Sakshi Rana added India’s sixth goal with a powerful reverse hit after capitalising on a rebound.

South Africa managed a consolation goal through Kayla de Waal in the final quarter, but it did little to change the outcome. India comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to secure a comprehensive 6-1 victory.

The result puts India in a strong position in Pool D and significantly strengthens their qualification hopes. Having remained unbeaten in their opening two matches, India will next face England in another crucial pool encounter. A positive result there could secure their passage to the next stage.