Salima Tete says Nations Cup win has given India confidence for FIH Women's World Cup 2026
Indian women's hockey captain Salima Tete said in New Delhi on August 12, 2026 that the team's FIH Nations Cup triumph in New Zealand has given them the confidence to compete for the title at the FIH Women's World Cup 2026, which will be held in the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to 30. "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.
India head into the World Cup on the back of winning the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand, and Tete said the momentum from that success can propel the side to another medal-winning campaign on the biggest stage. She stressed consistency in approach and the importance of treating each match with equal importance. "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," she added.
The 24-year-old captain, set to play in her second World Cup, acknowledged India have been drawn in a challenging pool and said the team will focus on a match-by-match, winning mindset. "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," she said. "Our goal is to go into every match with a clear plan and a winning mindset."
Tete accepted that nerves are natural before a major tournament but described her role as keeping the squad positive and unified. "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. "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."
She highlighted the contribution of younger players to the squad's energy and named Sakshi Rana, Ishika and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal among the youngsters eager to make an impact at the World Cup. "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. "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. I want them to focus on their game and express themselves on the pitch," she said. "When they play with freedom, they perform better. That helps the team as a whole."
Tete also credited India's goalkeepers for allowing the outfield players to attack without fear, citing the defensive assurance they provide. "When they say, 'You push forward, we will defend the back,' it really fires us up. They give us the confidence to attack freely, knowing they will take care of the defence," Tete said.
The FIH Women's World Cup will take place in the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to 30, and India will enter the tournament carrying the confidence gained from their recent FIH Nations Cup victory in New Zealand.
