The Indian women’s hockey team made an impressive start to its Hockey World Cup campaign, holding Paris Olympics silver medallists China to a hard-fought 2-2 draw in a thrilling opening encounter on Sunday.

India produced an attacking and spirited performance for large periods of the contest and twice took the lead, but China fought back strongly to share the points. Navneet Kaur and Deepika were on target for India, while Zhang Ying and Ma Ning scored for China.

India also finished the match with a sense of frustration after being denied what appeared to be a possible penalty corner in the closing stages. Navneet, who was one of India’s standout performers, made a determined circle penetration in the final moments but China’s defence managed to stop her. Indian coach Sjoerd Marijne was visibly unhappy with the decision.

“I don’t know why that PC was not given,” Marijne said after the match. India began with attacking intent and nearly opened the scoring in the second minute. Sunelita Toppo entered the Chinese circle from the left flank and found Deepika, whose deflected attempt was kept out by goalkeeper Li Ting. India continued pressing and soon earned a penalty corner after Lalremsiami entered the circle following a pass from Baljit.

With Deepika off the pitch at the time, Navneet took responsibility for the drag-flick but could not beat the Chinese defence. India’s pressure eventually paid off in the eighth minute. Following a free hit, Neha found Navneet inside the circle and the forward displayed excellent control and timing to produce a field goal and put India ahead.

The opening quarter was dominated by India, with Baljit and Lalremsiami causing problems from the wings and the Indian forwards repeatedly finding ways into China’s circle. However, China were handed an opportunity to level the scores in the final minute of the quarter when the referee awarded a penalty stroke after ruling that Shilpi Dabas had obstructed Zhang Ying.

India used their video referral, but the decision was upheld by the TV umpire. Zhang made no mistake from the spot to make it 1-1. India continued to attack in the second quarter and earned another penalty corner in the 22nd minute. Navneet’s initial attempt and the rebound were both denied by the Chinese defence. Lalremsiami was also hurt during the play and briefly left the field.

India regained the lead through Deepika, who converted a penalty corner in the 24th minute. China challenged the decision through a video referral, but the appeal was unsuccessful, leaving India 2-1 ahead at half-time.

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China came out with greater aggression after the interval and gradually pushed India onto the defensive. Experienced goalkeeper Savita played a crucial role, making an excellent save in the 33rd minute to deny Peng Yang. Five minutes later, she again kept out another attempt from the Chinese forward.
China eventually found the equaliser in the 39th minute when Ma Ning converted a penalty corner. Savita remained outstanding and later denied Zhang Ying as China earned another penalty corner.

The final quarter saw both teams create opportunities. India struggled to take advantage when China’s Zhou Meirong received a green card in the 53rd minute, leaving her team with 10 players for two minutes. China then earned two successive penalty corners in the 56th minute but failed to convert either.
India pushed for a late winner, with Navneet once again breaking into the circle. However, the expected penalty corner did not come, and China held on for a 2-2 draw.

India will next face South Africa on August 18. In the other match of the day, England defeated South Africa 4-0.