India's Women's Hockey Team Dominates in Spain Series Opener

India, 6 January 2026 — The Indian women's hockey team commenced their 2026 campaign with a commanding victory over Spain in the first match of their four-match series in Valencia. On 5 January, the Indian team secured a 3-1 win, showcasing a strong performance against the host nation.
The match opened with India taking an early lead, thanks to a goal by Vandana Katariya in the first quarter. Spain equalized in the second quarter, but India regained control, with goals from Gurjit Kaur and Lalremsiami sealing the victory.
This series is a crucial part of India's preparation for the upcoming Asian Games, and the win over Spain, a formidable opponent, is a positive indicator of the team's form. The Indian team is aiming to use this series to identify their strengths and areas needing improvement.
The next match in the series is scheduled for 7 January, where India will look to continue their winning momentum. Both teams are using this series as a preparation platform for major tournaments later this year.
Coach Janneke Schopman expressed satisfaction with the team's performance but emphasized the need to maintain focus and consistency throughout the series.