Auckland, 18 June (H.S.):

The Indian women's hockey team continued its impressive run in the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup 2026, defeating Uruguay 3-2 in a hard-fought final Pool A match on Thursday.

With the victory, India secured the top spot in Pool A after registering three consecutive wins over the United States, Japan, and Uruguay. The United States finished second in the group, with both teams advancing to the semi-finals.

In the match played in Auckland, New Zealand, Deepika scored twice for India in the 24th and 56th minutes, while Deepika Soreng added another goal in the 43rd minute. Uruguay's goals came through Chiara Appennino in the 13th minute and Manuela Villar in the 55th minute.

The match also marked a significant milestone for midfielder Neha, who made her 200th international appearance for the Indian women's hockey team.

Following a closely contested opening quarter, Uruguay took the lead in the 13th minute through Chiara Appennino. India responded strongly before the end of the first half, with the in-form Deepika converting a penalty corner in the 24th minute to level the score at 1-1.

India raised the intensity after the break and maintained sustained pressure on the Uruguayan defence. Their efforts paid off in the 43rd minute when Deepika Soreng found the back of the net to hand India a 2-1 lead.

Uruguay fought back as captain Manuela Villar equalised in the 55th minute. However, India's response was immediate. Just a minute later, Deepika converted another penalty corner to score her second goal of the match, restoring India's lead at 3-2 and sealing a well-earned victory.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar