Indian women to ride on a blend of youthful enthusiasm & experienced guidance at FIH WC

The Indian women’s team is gearing up for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026, with several players ready to make their World Cup bow and a seasoned leadership group determined to help them thrive.

India’s best finish in an FIH Women’s World Cup came in the inaugural edition in 1974, when they finished fourth, and this team, led by midfielder Salima Tete, is looking to build on the momentum generated over the past few months as they seek to go the distance in this FIH World Cup, which will run from August 15 to 30.

This team, led by midfielder Salima Tete, is looking to build on the momentum generated over the past few months. Pics: Hockey India

With chief coach Sjoerd Marijne back at the helm since the start of this year, the team heads into the tournament with renewed confidence after a successful run that saw them qualify for the FIH World Cup before lifting the FIH Nations Cup, earning promotion back to the FIH Pro League. Marijne was also the chief coach when the Indian women’s team produced its historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Adding to the excitement is a sizeable contingent of World Cup debutants in India’s 20-strong squad. Defenders Lalthantluangi, Shilpi Dabas and Ishika Chaudhary; midfielders Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo and Deepika Soreng; and forwards Deepika, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur and Beauty Dungdung are all set to make their first appearances on hockey’s biggest stage.

Experienced core embrace responsibility

While a World Cup debut brings immense pride, it also comes with its share of nerves. India’s experienced core has embraced the responsibility of ensuring the newcomers settle into the tournament environment with confidence.

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Striker Navneet Kaur explained how the senior players have focused on creating an environment where younger teammates feel comfortable discussing the pressure that naturally accompanies such a major event.

“There are many players in our team who will be playing in a World Cup for the first time. Of course, they will feel a bit of pressure and nervousness because it’s a big tournament. We tell them to not hide such feelings because then they might struggle to manage that pressure, which can affect the team as well,” said Navneet, making her third World Cup appearance.

Our job is to maintain that connection with them so that they can easily share with us both on and off the field and then we can help them overcome those emotions, says Navneet Kaur

“Even in the camp when they have a tough day in training, we sit down and ask them what difficulty they are facing and sometimes they share that they are feeling the pressure of going to the World Cup and overthinking about the ifs and buts,” she added.

“Our job is to maintain that connection with them so that they can easily share with us both on and off the field and then we can help them overcome those emotions.”

Midfielder Lalremsiami echoed those sentiments, praising the quality and maturity of the players preparing for their maiden World Cup.

“Each of those players who are going for their first World Cup are very skilful. They are very disciplined, both on and off the field. Of course, they are both excited and nervous; they keep asking us how it is to play in a World Cup. My answer has always been simple: just apply in the match what you have learned in training and give your 100%,” said Lalremsiami, who will be appearing in her second World Cup.

Integration into Indian team has been a gradual process

For experienced defender Sushila Chanu, the integration of the younger players has been a gradual process, with several already gaining valuable experience during India’s successful World Cup qualification campaign in Hyderabad and the Nations Cup triumph in New Zealand.

“Many juniors have come into the senior set-up and some are going to the World Cup as well. Their job is to put in their best effort and we as seniors support them. Some of these players were also part of the World Cup qualifiers in Hyderabad and the Nations Cup in New Zealand. Our understanding has been good; the coordination became even better while we trained together in the national camp,” Sushila said.

That blend of youthful enthusiasm and experienced guidance has become one of India’s defining strengths heading into the tournament.

As the Indian team prepares to begin its campaign, the focus within the camp is clear – trust the process, back one another and embrace the occasion.

India have been drawn in Pool D, where they will face China, South Africa and England. They will begin their campaign against China on August 16.