With less than a month to go for the FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands, the Indian women’s hockey team is entering the tournament on the back of a confidence-boosting run of form.
The side heads into the August 15-30 showpiece after winning the FIH Nations Cup without suffering a defeat, a result that secured its promotion to the FIH Pro League and provided a timely lift to its spirits.
Captain Salima Tete, who will lead India at a World Cup for the first time, said the recent success has strengthened the team’s belief as it prepares to take on some of the world’s strongest sides.
India, drawn in Pool D, begins its campaign against China on August 16 before facing South Africa two days later and England on August 20.
The 20-member squad, which blends experienced internationals with emerging talent, is in the final phase of its preparations under chief coach Sjoerd Marijne. Amid the build-up to the tournament, Salima spoke about the team’s recent progress, the challenges ahead, and India’s ambitions at the World Cup.
Q. This is going to be your first World Cup as captain. How excited or nervous are you as you step into this prestigious tournament as a leader?
A: It is a very special feeling for me. Of course, I am excited, but I am also a little nervous because this is the biggest tournament in hockey and leading India is a huge responsibility. Every player dreams of playing in a World Cup, and now I have the opportunity to captain the team, which makes it even more meaningful.
We played good hockey in the last World Cup, but the results did not go the way we wanted. This time, we are all talking about going much further and reaching the final. That is the dream we all share. Personally, I know that my first responsibility is to perform well because when I lead through my performances, I can support the team even better. I also want to be there for every player, especially the younger members of the squad, and help them in every way I can.
The squad is a mix of both young and experienced talent. How do you ensure the squad gels together, especially on a World Cup stage that can overwhelm youngsters?
One of the biggest strengths of this team is communication. The younger players are never hesitant to approach the seniors, whether it is for advice on the field or simply to discuss something. At the same time, all the experienced players are always ready to guide and support them.
As captain, I want everyone to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. It is important that we listen to each other, learn from one another, and stay united. Bonding is very important in a tournament like the World Cup because everyone has a role to play. When we trust each other and communicate well, it becomes much easier to handle pressure and perform as a team.
READ: Hockey India announces 20-member squad for FIH Women’s World Cup 2026
What do you think can be one of the most important challenges India may face?
Every World Cup has a different challenge because you are competing against some of the best teams in the world. In our pool, we have strong opponents, and every match will demand our very best.
For us, the biggest challenge is to embrace pressure instead of worrying about it. We believe in taking pressure positively. We have prepared well, and now it is about trusting ourselves and sticking to our plans. If we stay mentally strong, support each other, and remain confident, we can overcome every challenge that comes our way.
In your opening match, you will be facing China—your toughest opponent in the pool stage. What will be your message to the team before that game?
We are ready for the challenge. We know what happened the last time we played them, but this is a new tournament and a fresh opportunity for us.
My message to the team will be simple: play with confidence and a fighting spirit. We should not change our game because of the opposition. Instead, we want to play our own style of hockey and make them play according to us. Most importantly, I want every player to fight until the very last second. Our fighting spirit should be visible from the first whistle to the last, and if we do that together, I believe we can achieve the result we want.
What is that one specific piece of advice you have shared with the young players ahead of the World Cup?
I have told them to trust all the hard work they have put in because they have earned their place in this team. There is no need to put extra pressure on themselves just because it is a World Cup. I always encourage them to play freely and express themselves.
Mistakes are part of the game, and every player makes mistakes, including the senior members of the squad. What matters is having the right mindset, staying confident, and playing to your strengths. If they enjoy the occasion and back themselves, they will give their best.
What motivates this team the most, and how does your coach ensure that the level of motivation stays up?
Representing India is our biggest motivation. Every time we wear the Indian jersey, we step onto the field knowing that we are playing for the country; that gives us immense pride.
Before matches, we always try to keep the atmosphere positive and energetic. We remind ourselves that we are one team and that we have to fight for each other. The coaches also keep their message very simple. They always tell us to believe in ourselves and play the hockey we know. They have confidence in our abilities, and that confidence gives us the motivation to perform at our best. When we trust our preparation and stay united as a team, we know we can compete with anyone.
Published on Jul 18, 2026
