This Time The FIH Hockey World Cup Will Be Ours: Salima Tete

The Indian women’s hockey team head into the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026 with momentum after having won the FIH Nations Cup, and will look to carry that confidence into their campaign. Speaking to JioStar, India Women’s Hockey Team captain Salima Tete discussed the team’s approach to the tournament, the role of senior players in guiding the youngsters, and their belief that they can compete for a medal on the biggest stage.

Speaking to JioStar, Captain Salima Tete opened up about the team's preparations and goals for the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026:

"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. 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."

On the energy and positivity, the young players bring to the team:

"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. We have many young players like Sakshi Rana, Ishika, and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal. They are eager and hungry to perform on the big stage. 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. When they play with freedom, they perform better. That helps the team as a whole."

On the team's mindset and her role as captain:

"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. 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."

On the motivation from the team's goalkeepers:

"We have some excellent goalkeepers who constantly lift our spirits. 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. That kind of support allows us to play with freedom and express ourselves on the pitch. When you know your goalkeeper has your back, you play without fear. And if we play with fear, we can't perform at our best. We are ready to fight for every ball and give our all in every match. We believe in ourselves, and I have complete faith that this team can make the country feel proud."