India’s women’s team captain Salima Tete is confident and bullish about her side’s chances at the hockey World Cup 2026. Salima said that the team will bring their first World Cup title back home from the Netherlands and Belgium this time.The
The Indian women’s team’s best finish at the World Cup was fourth during the 1974 edition and has since never made it to the semi-final stages. The Indian team has shown promise since its fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics. They navigated through a tough period where the team saw two head coaches change and fail to make it to the Paris Olympics.
Under Sjoerd Marijne in his second stint, the results have been positive as India went unbeaten and won the FIH Nations Cup. Speaking to JoiHotstar, Salima said that the team will play smart and attacking hockey to bring the medal home.
The Indian skipper said that she has full faith in the team and knows that they will treat the match with equal importance.
“As a captain, my role is to support every player on the pitch. Whether we are losing or winning, I stand with the team. This time, the FIH Hockey World Cup will be ours. We will play smart, attacking hockey and bring back a medal. I have full belief in my team. We have the ability to do it. I am very excited, especially since this is my second World Cup.”
“Every player dreams of playing in a World Cup and winning a medal. Our last tournament in New Zealand, the FIH Nations Cup, was a great success. We won it and brought home the medal. So this time, in the World Cup, our goal is the same. Every match counts, and we will treat each one with equal importance. We are determined to play our best hockey and bring back the gold medal,” said Salima.
PLAYING IN THE WORLD CUP IS A DREAM
India will be grouped alongside Asian rivals China, England and South Africa, which will prove to be a tricky one. However, Salima feels that the team is prepping themselves for tough matches, keeping in mind that the Asian Games isn’t far away.
“Playing in the World Cup is every player’s dream. It’s a huge opportunity for us. Just like the FIH Nations Cup and the FIH Pro League, top teams will be competing. With the Asian Games also approaching, we know we will face strong teams. Our pool in the World Cup is challenging, and we are preparing for tough matches,” said Salima.
The Indian skipper revealed her mindset going into each match. The 24-year-old said that like every other player, she also does get nervous, but forgets it the moment pushback happens.
Salima said she wants to be the role model for the team who can lift the players and bring positivity to the squad.
“Our goal is to go into every match with a clear plan and a winning mindset. I feel nervous too, and that’s normal.”
“Every player goes through it. But whenever I step onto the pitch, I tell myself that I must play for my team, support every player, and take responsibility.”
“Whether we are winning or losing, I stand with the team. I want to be a role model who lifts the team up. If someone makes a mistake, it’s fine. We learn and improve. I want to bring positivity and energy to the group. We are doing well, but we can do even better. My focus is to stay excited and give my full support to the team,” said Salima.
India will start their campaign against China on August 16.
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