Indian women’s hockey team rebuilds unity ahead of World Cup

The Story in Brief

The Indian women's hockey team, led by Salima Tete, has turned around a difficult two-year spell marked by exit from Pro League and series losses. Under Dutch coach Sjoerd Marijne, who returned in January, the team qualified for the World Cup, won the Nations Cup to regain Pro League entry, and aims to build on this momentum. Forward Navneet Kaur, 30, top-scored with four goals at the World Cup Qualifiers and was Player of the Tournament. She told Hindustan Times that Marijne prioritised team unity before tactics, having players sit together and watch clips as a group. The squad also works with mental conditioning coach Ben Wienk, who uses profiling and conversations to help players understand themselves under pressure, as reported by Times of India. India open their World Cup campaign against China on Sunday in Pool D, which also includes England and South Africa.

The team's recent strategy focuses on circle entries, penalty corner creation, and precise finishing. Navneet said the squad trains separately as strikers and midfielders to improve connections. With major events including the Asian Games ahead, she emphasised focusing step-by-step, starting with the World Cup.