Indian women's hockey captain Salima Tete believes the team's recent triumph at the FIH Nations Cup has provided a major confidence boost ahead of the Women's World Cup 2026, with the skipper setting her sights firmly on a medal at the prestigious tournament.
India enter the World Cup on the back of an impressive campaign in New Zealand, where they lifted the FIH Nations Cup title. The success not only secured valuable momentum for the Indian side but also strengthened the players' belief that they can challenge the world's best teams on the biggest stage.
The FIH Women's World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to 30. India have been handed a challenging pool, making the opening phase a demanding test for the team. However, Tete is confident that the side's recent performances and growing self-belief can help them overcome the challenge.
"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," Tete said.
The Nations Cup triumph has been particularly significant for India as it came against strong opposition and offered the team an opportunity to test its preparations ahead of the World Cup. For Tete and her teammates, the victory has reinforced the belief that India can compete with the leading hockey nations when they maintain their composure and execute their plans effectively.
The Indian captain also stressed the importance of playing intelligent hockey rather than allowing the pressure of a major tournament to affect the team's approach. With the World Cup bringing together the world's leading sides, India will need to remain disciplined defensively while making the most of their opportunities in attack.
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Tete's confidence reflects the team's progress over recent months. India have been working on improving their overall consistency, building a stronger defensive structure and becoming more effective in the attacking third. The players will now look to carry those improvements into the World Cup and convert their recent success into another strong international campaign.
The tournament will also provide an opportunity for India's experienced players to lead the side while younger members of the squad gain exposure at the highest level. Tete's leadership and ability to inspire her teammates will be crucial as India navigate the pressure of the competition.
With the World Cup scheduled to begin on August 15, preparations have entered their final phase. The Indian team will be keen to make a strong start and build momentum as the tournament progresses. For Tete, however, the objective is clear. The Nations Cup title has already given India a taste of success, but the captain wants her team to go a step further in the Netherlands and Belgium.
With confidence high and the belief that they can challenge the best in the world, India will aim to turn their Nations Cup momentum into a memorable World Cup campaign and return home with a medal.
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