Navneet Kaur (4’) opened the scoring for India, followed by Sunelita Toppo (15’) who extended their lead. The team’s exceptional defensive effort ensured they maintained their advantage and clinched the title, marking their return to the Pro League for the next season.
Lalremsiami was awarded ‘Player of the Match’ for the final, while Deepika finished as a joint-top scorer in the tournament, netting six goals alongside USA’s Ashley Sessa.
This victory represents India’s second Nations Cup title, having won the inaugural tournament in 2022.
Throughout their campaign, India remained unbeaten, defeating USA (3-2), Japan (2-1), and Uruguay (3-2) in Pool A, and then achieving an impressive 6-0 victory over Chile in the semi-finals.
To celebrate the teams’ accomplishments, Hockey India announced a cash reward of Rs 3 lakh for each player and Rs 1.5 lakh for each support staff member.
In the championship match, the hosts had the upper hand in possession early on as they sought to establish dominance.
However, the first significant chance came when Kaur earned a penalty corner, which she converted with a powerful strike in the 4th minute, giving India the lead.
India excelled in their transitions, creating numerous challenges for New Zealand’s defense with their intensity.
They doubled their lead through their fifth penalty corner in the first quarter, with Sunelita deflecting a precise attempt from Deepika, making it 2-0 in the 15th minute.
India maintained a disciplined approach in the second quarter, even as New Zealand attempted to find their footing. The visitors also had chances to extend their lead.
Yet, neither team managed to score further, allowing India to retain their two-goal cushion at half-time.
In the third quarter, India remained steadfast, showcasing a brilliant defensive performance that thwarted any clear scoring opportunities for the hosts. Despite forcing a mistake from the New Zealand defense, Navneet’s reverse hit was skillfully saved by the goalkeeper.
New Zealand earned a penalty corner early in the fourth quarter, but Savita was quick to deny them with a save. The visitors remained exceptional in their defensive organization and ultimately secured a 2-0 victory to lift the title.
