Hyderabad, March 8 -- On the opening day of the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026, Hyderabad, Telangana, England defeated Italy with a dominant scoreline of 5-2 while Korea beat Austria 1-0 in a tight contest at the G. M. C. Balayogi Hockey Ground (Gachibowli Hockey Complex) on Sunday.

Grace Balsdon (12',32'), Lottie Bingham (15'), Elizabeth Neal (16') and Anna Toman (27') scored the goals for England, while Ivanna Pessina (19') and Federica Carta were the goalscorers for Italy. In the second match, Seona Kim (34') was the lone goalscorer for Korea, according to a release.

Later in the day, Scotland will face Wales and hosts India will clash against Uruguay.

Meanwhile, the Indian Women's Hockey Team will aim to secure a coveted bert...