Argentina stunned hosts Netherlands 3-1 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw, ending the Dutch bid for a fourth straight title and securing their third World Cup crown.
The Indian women's hockey team lost 0-2 to reigning Olympic and world champions Netherlands in their second round match of the FIH World Cup. This defeat means India must now beat Australia in their upcoming match to keep their semifinal hopes alive.
The Indian women's hockey team suffered a 2-0 defeat against the formidable Netherlands in their FIH World Cup Pool E encounter, with goals from Yibbi Jansen and Frederique Matla, both from penalty corners. This loss puts India in a precarious position, requiring a victory against Australia to keep their semi-final aspirations alive.
The 2026 Hockey World Cup saw Argentina break the Netherlands' dominance in women's hockey, while Germany successfully defended their men's title. The tournament, co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium, featured simultaneous men's and women's events, highlighting shifting hierarchies and India's mixed performance with promising women's results and disappointing men's outcomes.
The two sides had played out a 1-1 draw three days ago in Ranchi with the Odisha Warriors then winning the penalty shootout thanks to goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram's heroics.
India's Harmanpreet Singh was crowned as Men's Player Of The Year and his former compatriot PR Sreejesh was named Men's Goalkeeper Of The Year, announced the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Friday.
Odisha Warriors emerged victorious in the inaugural Women's Hockey India League, securing a hard-fought 2-1 win over JSW Soorma Hockey Club in the final.
Elodie Picard's brilliance between the sticks gave Delhi SG Pipers a consolation 3-2 win against Odisha Warriors in the shootout in the Women's Hockey India League.
The Netherlands survived a major scare to beat China 3-1 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation to retain their women's title at the Paris Olympics on Friday, giving the Dutch the hockey double after Thursday's men's triumph.
Women's HIL: Odisha Warriors beat Soorma Hockey Club in shootout
Harmanpreet, Sreejesh shortlisted for FIH Hockey Stars Awards
India, who are also without three key players in Lalremsiami, Salima Tete and Sharmila Devi from the historic fourth-place finish in the Tokyo Olympics, had won the first match 2-1 on Friday. That win was the first against the Netherlands in over a decade.
This was India's fourth win in the FIH Pro League.
