India women hold China 2-2 in Hockey World Cup opener

India's women's hockey team began their FIH World Cup campaign in Belgium and Netherlands with a 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China in Amstelveen on Sunday. Navneet Kaur put India ahead in the seventh minute before a foul by defender Shilpi Dabas conceded a penalty stroke that Ying Zhang converted for China. Deepika restored India's lead in the 24th minute from a penalty corner.

China dominated the second half, with Li Hong dictating play before Ma Ning equalised with a dragflick. The Hindu reports that India had eight World Cup debutants and inexperience ultimately hurt the side. China had 13 circle penetrations to India's three in the last two quarters, while India earned no penalty corners after halftime. Goalkeeper Savita Punia made key saves to secure a point.

The result leaves both teams on one point each in Pool D. The Indian men's team plays England in their second pool match on Monday.