For India, Deepika netted a brace and Navneet Kaur scored a goal, while Ashley Sessa and Madeleine Zimmer were on the scoresheet for the USA. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

India staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down to defeat the United States 3-2 in their opening Pool A match of the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup on Sunday at the North Harbour National Hockey Centre in Auckland.

For India, Deepika netted a brace and Navneet Kaur scored a goal, while Ashley Sessa and Madeleine Zimmer were on the scoresheet for the USA.

Deepika, who marked a stunning return to the Indian team with a brace, was also awarded the Player of the Match.

The USA opened the scoring through Ashley Sessa (4’), before doubling its advantage just three minutes later when Madeleine Zimmer converted a penalty corner.

Trailing by two goals, India gradually began to assert itself in attack. Their efforts paid off in the second quarter when drag-flick specialist Deepika converted two penalty corners.

India maintained the pressure and completed a stunning turnaround before halftime. Navneet Kaur (28’) converted a penalty corner to hand India the lead.

The second half saw both teams battle intensely in search of goals. Both sides earned six penalty corners each over the course of the match, but neither defence allowed any further breakthroughs in the remaining two quarters.

India successfully held on to its advantage in the closing stages to secure all three points and begin its Nations Cup campaign on a winning note. Following the victory, India moved to second place in Pool A with three points, level with Japan, which leads the standings on goal difference.

India will next face Japan in their second Pool A match of the tournament on June 16 at 6:30 am.

Published on Jun 15, 2026