Harmanpreet: 'Need to be stronger defensively' after India finish eighth at Hockey World Cup

Harmanpreet, India's hockey captain, said on 29 August 2026 that India had finished eighth at the Hockey World Cup.

She said, 'Need to be stronger defensively,' and emphasised the need for improved defence against elite rivals, noting the side showed promise against Belgium but that the overall outcome fell short of expectations.

The squad's immediate goal is to capture gold at the Asian Games, securing their spot in the Los Angeles Olympics.