India’s sporting calendar stays red-hot on March 9 with the women’s hockey team chasing World Cup qualification and Punjab FC fighting for playoff spots in the ISL. Two big clashes at 7:30 PM IST promise drama, goals, and national pride.
India Women Look to Build on Uruguay Win Against Scotland
The Indian women’s hockey team, fresh off a commanding 4-0 victory over Uruguay on Saturday, take on Scotland tonight at 7:30 PM IST in their second Hockey World Cup Qualifier match.
Captain Salima Tete led from the front against Uruguay with a goal and an assist, while Sangita Kumari struck twice and Beauty Dungdung added one. The defense, marshalled by Udita and Deep Grace Ekka, kept a clean sheet.
“We started well but there is still room to improve,” said head coach Janneke Schopman after the win. “Scotland will be physical and organised. We need to stay patient and take our chances.”
Scotland lost 2-0 to Japan in their opener but showed resilience. India, ranked world No. 6, are clear favourites but cannot afford complacency in this round-robin group.
A win tonight will put India in pole position to finish top and secure direct qualification for the 2026 FIH Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted by Belgium and Netherlands.
Where to watch: FanCode
Punjab FC vs NorthEast United: Playoff Spots on the Line
At the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong (rescheduled venue due to elections in Punjab), Punjab FC host NorthEast United in a crucial 7:30 PM ISL clash.
Punjab are unbeaten in their last five home games and sit seventh with 28 points from 19 matches. A victory can push them into the top-six playoff places.
NorthEast United, under new coach Juan Pedro Benali, have turned their season around and are only three points behind Punjab. A win in Shillong would be massive for their playoff dreams.
Key battles:
- Luka Majcen (Punjab) vs Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NEUFC) in attack
- Wilmar Jordan Gil vs Dimitrios Chatziisaias in the box
- Midfield duel between Princeton Rebello and Mohammed Bemammer
Punjab coach Staikos Vergetis: “We respect NorthEast, but we are playing at home (even if venue changed) and we want three points.”
Where to watch: JioCinema, Star Sports
Heartbreak for Lakshya Sen in All England Final
Lakshya Sen’s dream of becoming only the third Indian man to win the All England Open ended in agony on Sunday.
The 24-year-old fought brilliantly but went down 21-18, 14-21, 21-19 to Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chun-Yi in a 79-minute thriller.
Sen saved two match points at 18-20 in the decider but Lin sealed it on his third opportunity with a precise cross-court smash.
Despite the loss, Sen jumps to world No. 5 in the latest rankings and pockets $94,500 (approx ₹78 lakh). This was his second All England final appearance.
Quick Hits from the Weekend
- ISL: Mumbai City FC held 2-2 by Sporting Delhi
- Indian Football League: Diamond Harbour beat Dempo 2-1; Shillong Lajong won 3-0
- Boxing: Joyshree Saikia, Sahil Ambekar and Amitabh Sahil opened India’s campaign with wins at 2026 Futures Cup in Dubai
- Shooting: 18-year-old Arshdeep Kaur won women’s 25m pistol T3 final at National Championship
- Athletics: Shivam Lohakare threw 81.54m to win men’s javelin gold at Indian Open Throws Competition
March 2026 is turning out to be one of the busiest months in Indian sport. The women’s hockey team carry the nation’s hopes tonight, while every ISL point feels like gold with only a few games left.
Which match are you most excited for tonight? Will Salima Tete and her team book their World Cup ticket? Can Punjab climb into the playoffs?
Drop your predictions in the comments and tag your friends. Let’s talk sport!
