The Indian women’s hockey team is gearing up for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, a campaign that could culminate in a gold medal and a direct ticket to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. After a historic fifth‑place finish at the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup and a silver medal at the World Cup qualifiers, the squad has demonstrated steady advancement, highlighted by a commanding victory at the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup in Auckland.
Chasing Gold in Japan
At the helm are captain Salima Tete and coach Sjoerd Marijne, who took charge of the national program in January 2026. Tete has stressed that the team’s success will hinge on consistency, discipline and the ability to deliver strong performances in every match, a mantra that will guide them through the gruelling tournament schedule.
The roster blends seasoned veterans such as Savita and Navneet Kaur with promising youngsters including Lalremsiami and Nikki Pradhan, creating a balanced mix of experience and dynamism. This depth will be crucial as India faces a demanding Pool B that includes matches against Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan and Singapore before the knockout stage.
The knockout rounds are slated for 30 September with the semi‑finals, and the gold‑medal match is scheduled for 2 October. With a clear pathway to the top, the team’s focus on steady execution and disciplined play positions them well to achieve their ambitious target of gold in Japan and a direct Olympic berth.