For the home squad at Ranchi, Sangita Kumari, Udita, and Beauty Dung Dung scored goals. On Tuesday, the Indian women's hockey team will play Italy in their last pool encounter.

The Indian women’s hockey team beat New Zealand 3-1 in its second Pool B match of the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand on Sunday.

India's goals were scored by Sangita Kumari (1'), Udita (12'), and Beauty Dung Dung (14'), whereas New Zealand's goal was scored by Megan Hull (9').

The Indian women's hockey team's victory keeps their hopes of competing in the 2024 Olympics in Paris alive.

The eight-nation competition's top three hockey teams will be guaranteed a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics, which will take place in July and August of this year in France. The top two teams (A and B) in each pool advance to the semifinals.

With three points from two games, India, who lost their opening match against the USA, is currently ranked third in Pool A. Although they have just as many, New Zealand is ranked third in terms of goals scored. India and the Kiwis both have a goal differential of +1.

Tuesday's last FIH Women's Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024 Pool B match pits India against last-placed Italy, while the USA—who top the table with six points—will play New Zealand.


World No. 7 India came out swinging and took the lead in the first minute, knowing that a loss on the night would mark the end of their hopes of qualifying for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Salima Tete centering the ball into the danger zone after driving in from the right. Sangita Kumari was the fastest to react, beating Kiwi goalkeeper Grace O'Hanlon and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

On the other hand, the lead was over in eight minutes. With a penalty corner, Megan Hull's drag-flick past the Indian defenders and goalie Savita Punia tied the score for World No. 9 New Zealand.


The Indian women's hockey team responded with a penalty corner of their own, unfazed. This time, it was Udita who used a strong drive to upset the backboard.

The home team nearly quickly doubled their lead. With some clever stickwork, Beauty Dung Dung manufactured the goal, which she converted toward the conclusion of the first quarter.

Both sides had periods of dominance in the second quarter, but despite numerous opportunities, there were no goals as India led 3-1 at the break.


In the third quarter, Katie Doar found herself one on one with Savita Punia, giving the Black Sticks a great chance to equalize, but the Indian captain held firm. India also had a few good opportunities to increase their lead, but they were not successful.

India pulled off a vital victory in the last quarter by playing incredibly well-managed basketball.

Navneet Kaur played the 150th international match of her career on the night.