Savita Punia: 'There is no team India cannot compete with' as she heads into Women's Hockey World Cup
Speaking to JioHotstar on August 13, 2026, India goalkeeper Savita Punia said there is no team India cannot compete with as she prepares for her third Hockey World Cup. The 36-year-old credited the side's FIH Nations Cup gold this year with lifting the team's morale and belief.
Punia, who has experienced both the highs and lows of international hockey while standing “as the wall in front of goal,” will make her third World Cup appearance after a career that has spanned multiple major events. India’s best finish at the tournament remains fourth in 1974, with the team having placed eighth and ninth in the two most recent editions.
Speaking about the Nations Cup triumph, she said: "Winning the FIH Nations Cup was a big achievement because all the top teams were there. It was a competitive tournament, and coming out on top gave us a huge boost and winning a gold medal after a long time has lifted the team's morale and belief. In recent years, during the FIH Pro League, we have played close matches against top sides like Argentina, Netherlands, and Germany. Those games showed us that we can match the best teams in the world."
On India’s chances against established sides, Punia said: "I can confidently say about this Indian women's hockey team that while all the teams are world-class, there is no team we cannot compete with. We have the skill, the fitness, and the mindset to challenge anyone on our day," said Savita.
Punia set out the squad’s immediate focus and its medal ambitions in straightforward terms. "We are going into the Women's Hockey World Cup with a lot of confidence, but our main focus is on our own game. Every team in the World Cup is strong, and there are no easy matches." She added: "But if we play to our strengths and stick to our plans, we have a real chance of finishing on the podium."
On preparations and player responsibility, Punia described a change in attitude within the group. "The approach has changed over time. Earlier, players used to do only what the coach told them. Now, everyone takes ownership of their fitness and recovery. We pay attention to diet, injury prevention, and extra sessions. As goalkeepers, we often have three or four additional sessions in a week, but we stay motivated because we know it will help us perform when it matters most," said Savita.
India will start their campaign against China on August 16. "We are putting in the hard work every single day, both individually and as a unit," said Savita.