India women’s hockey team captain Salima Tete believes the side has what it takes to challenge for the gold medal at the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026, with the tournament set to begin on August 15.
India head into the World Cup with confidence after winning the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand. Speaking to JioStar, Tete said the team’s focus will be on playing attacking hockey while maintaining the belief that they can go all the way.
Salima Tete sets sights on World Cup gold
Tete, who will be appearing at her second World Cup, said the Indian team is determined to turn its recent success into a strong campaign on the biggest stage.
“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,” Tete told JioStar.
The India captain also pointed to the team’s Nations Cup triumph as an important source of confidence heading into the World Cup.
“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,” she added.
Tete stressed that India cannot afford to look beyond individual matches despite its ambitions of winning the tournament.
“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,” she said.
Young players bringing fresh energy
Tete also highlighted the role of India’s younger players, who she believes have brought a different level of energy and enthusiasm into the squad.
Players such as Sakshi Rana, Ishika and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal are among the youngsters looking to make an impact on the World Cup stage.
“When the junior players come into the team, they bring a lot of energy. They always tell us, ‘Didi, we have to push hard, we have to play good hockey, and we need that medal.’ Hearing that from them gives us all a lot of positivity,” Tete said.
The captain’s message to the younger members of the squad has been to play without fear rather than carry the weight of expectations.
“From my side, I always tell them to play freely and enjoy the game. It’s not their job to carry the pressure. The seniors are there to handle that,” she said.
Tete believes that freedom will allow India’s young players to express themselves more effectively.
“I want them to focus on their game and express themselves on the pitch. When they play with freedom, they perform better. That helps the team as a whole.”
India preparing for a tough World Cup
Despite India’s confidence, Tete acknowledged the quality of opposition waiting for them at the World Cup.
She said the team is preparing for difficult matches and understands the importance of entering every game with a clear tactical plan.
“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,” Tete said.
“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.”
The India captain also admitted that the occasion naturally brings some nerves, but believes those emotions can be channelled positively.
“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,” she said.
Tete wants to lead by example
For Tete, captaincy is not simply about making decisions on the pitch. She wants to provide emotional support to her teammates, particularly when things do not go according to plan.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Goalkeepers giving India attacking confidence
Tete also credited India’s goalkeepers for giving the outfield players the confidence to push forward and play aggressively.
“We have some excellent goalkeepers who constantly lift our spirits. When they say, ‘You push forward, we will defend the back,’ it really fires us up,” she said.
According to Tete, that trust is particularly important when India are looking to play attacking hockey.
“They give us the confidence to attack freely, knowing they will take care of the defence. That kind of support allows us to play with freedom and express ourselves on the pitch.”
“When you know your goalkeeper has your back, you play without fear. And if we play with fear, we can’t perform at our best.”
With the World Cup beginning on August 15, Tete believes India have both the confidence and the hunger required to make a deep run.
“We are ready to fight for every ball and give our all in every match. We believe in ourselves, and I have complete faith that this team can make the country feel proud,” she said.
The FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026 will be broadcast live on JioHotstar and Star Sports from August 15. All quotes in this article are credited to JioStar.
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