Goa, Aug. 27 -- India ended its campaign at the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026 on a historic note, defeating Germany 3-1 in their fifth-sixth place classification match at the Wagener Hockey Stadium. The victory earned India a fifth-place overall finish, marking the national team's best performance at the World Cup in 52 years, matching their previous best effort at the inaugural 1974 edition.

The match remained tightly contested throughout a goalless first half. Germany created multiple penalty-corner opportunities early on but failed to capitalize due to imprecise execution. India mounted its strongest attack during the second quarter, with Navneet Kaur and Salima Tete forcing three saves from German goalkeeper Finja Starck.

The mo...