India, Aug. 16 -- India began their Women's Hockey World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against China in Amstelveen on Sunday, producing an encouraging attacking display but twice surrendering the lead in a closely fought Pool D encounter. Navneet Kaur and Deepika were on target for India, which led 1-0 and then 2-1 before China responded with goals from Zhang Ying and Ma Ning. The result gave both Asian heavyweights a point from their opening match and left plenty still to play for in a pool that also features England and South Africa.

India made an energetic start and were rewarded in the eighth minute. Navneet received the ball inside the circle, turned sharply under pressure and managed to get her shot away. The effort went in off the ...