New Delhi, Aug. 16 -- After the men's side started with a win a day before, the Indian women's hockey team face a stern opening test in the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026 on Sunday as Dutch coach Sjoerd Marijne's side takes on the Olympic silver medallists China in a demanding Pool D contest.

Ranked ninth in the world, India will take on the second-ranked China, the Paris Olympic silver medallists, in a match that could set the tone for their campaign. With England and South Africa also in the pool and the tournament being played in a new format, India cannot afford a slow start.

India have spent a considerable time acclimatising to European conditions, training at the Wagener Stadium in the heat and playing a practice match against ...