Bhubaneswar, 14 March (H.S.): Leader of Opposition and BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Saturday congratulated the India women's national field hockey team for securing a place in the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026.

Taking to social media, Patnaik praised the team after their narrow 1–0 victory over Italy women's national field hockey team in the semifinal of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.

With the win, the Indian side not only progressed to the final of the qualifiers but also confirmed their berth in the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup.

Patnaik extended his best wishes to the team for the final match, where they will face England women's national field hockey team.

“Congratulate the Indian Women’s Hockey Team on their 1-0 victory over Italy to move into the final of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers and qualify for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026. Wish the team all the very best for the final match against England,” Patnaik posted

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda