Navneet Kaur's hat-trick powers India past Wales 4-1 at Women's Hockey World Cup qualifiers in Hyderabad
On 11 March 2026 at the GMC Balayogi Hockey Ground in Hyderabad, India beat Wales 4-1 at the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup Qualifiers, with a hat-trick from Navneet Kaur, to top Pool B.
Summary
On 11 March 2026 at the GMC Balayogi Hockey Ground (Gachibowli) in Hyderabad, the Indian women's hockey team beat Wales 4-1 in Pool B of the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup Qualifiers. Navneet Kaur scored a hat-trick (29', 34', 55') and 18-year-old Sakshi Rana scored in the 7th minute; Betsan Thomas replied for Wales. India, captained by Salima Tete, had already reached the semi-finals, which also secured their World Cup place, and the win made them Pool B toppers, setting up a semi-final against Italy on 13 March. Hyderabad and Santiago, Chile, host the two qualifying tournaments; the top three in each earn places at the Women's Hockey World Cup, co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from 15 to 30 August 2026.
Key facts
- Date / venue
- 11 March 2026, GMC Balayogi Hockey Ground, Hyderabad
- Result
- India 4-1 Wales (Pool B)
- Scorers
- Navneet Kaur 29', 34', 55' (hat-trick); Sakshi Rana 7'; Betsan Thomas 39' (Wales)
- Captain
- Salima Tete
- Next
- Semi-final vs Italy, 13 March
- World Cup
- Belgium and Netherlands, 15–30 August 2026; top 3 of each qualifier qualify
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Who scored a hat-trick in India's 4-1 win over Wales at the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad on 11 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Navneet Kaur
Navneet Kaur scored in the 29th, 34th and 55th minutes; Sakshi Rana scored India's other goal.
Which countries will co-host the 2026 FIH Hockey Women's World Cup, for which India qualified through the Hyderabad qualifiers?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Belgium and the Netherlands
The 2026 Women's Hockey World Cup will be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from 15 to 30 August.