India Beat New Zealand 2-0 to Clinch Second FIH Women’s Nations Cup Title: Hockey India Announces Cash Prize

In Hockey, India defeated hosts New Zealand 2-0 in the final in Auckland today to win their second FIH Women’s Nations Cup title and secured promotion to the FIH Women’s Pro League. Navneet Kaur gave India the early lead before Sunelita Toppo doubled India’s advantage. The team produced a stellar defensive display to protect their lead and win the title, which also marked their return to the Pro League next season.

Lalremsiami won the ‘Player of the Match’ award in the final, while Deepika finished as the joint-top scorer in the tournament with six goals to her name – sharing the honours with USA’s Ashley Sessa. This is India’s second Nations Cup title, having won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2022.

India remained unbeaten throughout their campaign, defeating USA, 3-2; Japan 2-1; and Uruguay 3-2 in the Pool A matches, before registering a commanding 6-0 win over Chile in the semi-final. To recognise the teams’ achievements, Hockey India announced a cash award of 3 lakh rupees for each player and 1.5 lakh rupees for each member of the support staff.

Hockey India Announces ₹3 Lakh Cash Prize

Hockey India (HI) announced a cash reward of Rs 3 lakh for each player and Rs 1.5 lakh for every member of the support staff after India defeated hosts New Zealand 2-0 in the final to win the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup in Auckland on Sunday.

“Glory. Gratitude. Recognition. To honour Team India’s FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26 title win, Hockey India announces a cash award of Rs 3 lakh for each player and Rs 1.5 lakh for every member of the support staff,” Hockey India said in a post on X.

The victory secured India’s second Nations Cup title and earned the team promotion to next season’s FIH Hockey Women’s Pro League.
Navneet Kaur (4′) and Sunelita Toppo (15′) scored for India, while the defence and goalkeeper Savita ensured New Zealand were kept scoreless. Lalremsiami was named Player of the Match in the final, while Deepika finished as the tournament’s joint-highest scorer with six goals.

India remained unbeaten throughout the competition, registering victories over the USA, Japan and Uruguay in the group stage before thrashing Chile 6-0 in the semi-finals. The team then capped off its campaign with a commanding 2-0 win over New Zealand in the title clash.