The opener will also offer India an early measure of how far they have progressed under coach Sjoerd Marijne. The team spent considerable time acclimatising to European conditions at the Wagener Stadium and played a practice match against hosts and defending champions the Netherlands.
Although 11 members of the squad are appearing at a World Cup for the first time, India have a strong core of experienced players. Goalkeeper Savita, the tournament’s most-capped player with 313 international appearances, is featuring in her third World Cup. Sushila Chanu has 262 caps, while Navneet Kaur, Nikki Pradhan and Neha Goyal have also crossed 200 appearances.
India’s recent form provides encouragement. They won the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand to return to the Pro League, while Deepika rediscovered her scoring touch after injury, scoring six goals. Navneet has also been prolific, scoring six times at the Asia Cup and four at the World Cup qualifiers.
China, though, present a formidable challenge. They beat India 4-1 at the 2025 Asia Cup, won the continental title and claimed Olympic silver in Paris. Their resurgence has coincided with coach Alison Annan’s arrival.
For India, a positive start would provide points, confidence and an important psychological boost ahead of their Asian Games meeting with China next month.
