The Indian Women’s hockey team thrashed Italy 5-1 in its third and final Pool B match of the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Tuesday. With a dominating win, India finished second in their pool behind the USA and advanced to the semi-finals. A top-three finish at the Ranchi meet will qualify the Indian women’s team for the Paris 2024 Olympics, which will be held in July and August of this year.

Udita scored two goals while Deepika, Salima Tete, and Navneet Kaur scored a goal each for India. Camila Machin was the lone scorer for Italy. With New Zealand losing to the United States earlier in the day, World No.6 India entered the match against Italy knowing that a draw would be enough to advance to the semi-finals.

The hosts had a great start, with Salima, who was outstanding against the Kiwis on Sunday, earning India a penalty corner in the very first minute. In her 100th international appearance for India, Udita stepped up and unleashed a stunning drag flick past Italian goalkeeper Augustina D’ascola. Despite grabbing an early lead, India was arguably a touch wasteful in the final third of the first quarter, and Italy almost profited in the dying moments.

Moras Guadalupe had a wonderful chance to score, but Savita Punia blocked his shot. In the second quarter, India pressed Italy hard for a second goal, but the visitors were able to withstand the onslaught. However, Italy provided little forward momentum, and India led 1-0 at the break. India led by Salima came out strong in the third quarter and were granted a penalty stroke after Sofia Laurito took down Lalremsiami from behind. Deepika converted the set-piece opportunity, giving the hosts a two-goal lead.

Salima rightfully scored in the final seconds of the third quarter, making it 3-0. With Italy pushing bodies forward in pursuit of a goal, Navneet Kaur capitalized on the opportunity to score India’s fourth goal of the night in the 53rd minute, putting the game away. Udita scored her second of the night from another penalty corner to round out a dominant victory. Italy did manage to score a consolation goal through Machin in the final play of the game.

India will face Pool A winners Germany in the semi-final on January 18, Thursday. Even if India loses to Germany, they will have a second chance to secure a spot in Paris 2024 in the bronze medal match.