India, Aug. 18 -- In their first two games at the 2026 Women's Hockey World Cup, two sides to the Indian team have been on display.

Against Olympic silver medallists China in the opener on Sunday, India were courageous. They played with discipline, focus and cohesion against a strong opposition. On Tuesday against South Africa, the lowest ranked team in the tournament, the chemistry seemed off as the passes were awry and individual errors were unmistakable.

However, India came off way better when it came to the results from the two matches. The 2-2 draw against China was commendable, and the 6-1 win over South Africa at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen. It saw India climb to the top of Pool D with one match to go in the first gr...