New Delhi: Indian women’s hockey captain Salima Tete believes her team has the confidence and ability to challenge for the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 title after their recent Nations Cup triumph.
India enter the World Cup on a high after winning the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand. The victory has strengthened the team’s belief ahead of the tournament, with Tete insisting that the players are determined to turn their recent success into another medal on the biggest stage.
Tete said the team will approach the World Cup with an attacking and intelligent style of play while treating every match as equally important. She expressed complete confidence in her teammates and backed them to deliver a strong campaign.
The Indian skipper is preparing for her second World Cup appearance and acknowledged the challenge posed by the quality of opposition. She said competing against the world’s leading teams provides India with an important opportunity to test themselves at the highest level.
The World Cup will be jointly hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to 30. India have been placed in Pool D alongside China, England and South Africa.
India will begin their campaign against China at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on August 16. The team is expected to face a demanding group stage, with every result carrying significant importance in the race for the knockout rounds.
Tete said the squad is preparing specifically for difficult matches and understands the importance of maintaining a winning mindset throughout the tournament.
With the Nations Cup victory providing renewed momentum, India will look to build on that performance and make a strong push for World Cup success. The captain’s confidence reflects the team’s growing belief that they can compete with the best and return home with another major medal.
