India captain Salima Tete declares FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 will be won by her side
India captain Salima Tete said the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium, will be won by her side and that the team will bring the nation its first World Cup title. She added she is “very excited, especially since this is my second World Cup.”
India's best finish at the Hockey World Cup was fourth in the 1974 edition and the team has not reached the semi-final stages since. The side showed promise after their fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics, but subsequently endured a period that included two head-coach changes and failure to qualify for the Paris Olympics; under Sjoerd Marijne in his second stint the results have improved and India went unbeaten in recent matches.
Speaking about her role and the team’s objectives, Salima said: "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. I am very excited, especially since this is my second World Cup."
Reflecting on recent form and targets, Salima said: "Every player dreams of playing in a World Cup and winning a medal. 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. 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," said Salima.
On the competition and preparation, she commented: "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. 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," said Salima; India are grouped alongside China, England and South Africa.
Describing her personal approach to matches, the 24-year-old said she experiences nerves but focuses on team responsibility: "Our goal is to go into every match with a clear plan and a winning mindset. 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." "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. 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," said Salima.
India will start their World Cup campaign against China on August 16.
