Indian players celebrate after scoring a goal against China in the FIH World Cup. (Pic credit: Hockey India) NEW DELHI: India began their Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Paris Olympics silver medallists China on Sunday, twice taking the lead before being forced to settle for a point at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands.

Navneet Kaur gave India an early lead before Zhang Ying equalised from a penalty stroke in the dying seconds of the opening quarter. Deepika then restored India's advantage through a penalty corner in the second quarter, but Ma Ning levelled the contest in the third as China took control of proceedings.

China dominated large periods of the second half and came close to completing the comeback, particularly in the closing stages. As it happened: India vs China, Hockey World CupIndia make bright start, take leadIndia began with confidence and looked the sharper side in the opening exchanges, enjoying more possession and making repeated incursions into the Chinese circle.

Their early pressure was rewarded in the eighth minute when Navneet scored from the top of the circle. India had been building promising moves and were rewarded for their positive approach as Navneet reacted quickest to put them ahead.

China gradually increased the tempo after conceding and began creating problems for the Indian defence. The pressure eventually told in the dying seconds of the first quarter.

Shilpi was penalised for a push inside the circle, prompting India to review the decision as they believed she had been pushed by Zhong Jiaqi. The TV umpire upheld the on-field call, leaving India without their review.

Zhang Ying converted the resulting penalty stroke in the 15th minute to make it 1-1. Deepika restores India's leadChina started the second quarter with greater authority after the equaliser, but India gradually regained their composure and began putting pressure on the Chinese defence.

India earned two penalty corners in quick succession, with Navneet involved in creating the opportunities. The first was defended, but India remained on the front foot and eventually got their reward in the 25th minute.

Deepika stepped up to take the penalty corner and unleashed a powerful drag-flick. The ball struck the shoulder of a Chinese defender and looped over the goalkeeper before finding the net.