India reach FIH Women's Nations Cup semis; Deepika credits specialised camps
Synopsis
India's women's hockey team reached the FIH Nations Cup semifinals in Auckland without dropping a point in Pool A — and drag-flicker Deepika, with four goals, is the story of the tournament. Behind the results is a structured training investment: specialised goalkeeping and penalty-corner camps that Hockey India and Anandana built specifically for this moment.
Key Takeaways
India topped Pool A unbeaten at the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup in Auckland , defeating the USA , Japan , and Uruguay .
Drag-flicker Deepika (from Hisar, Haryana ) scored 4 goals in the pool stage and is tied for the tournament's leading scorer.
An 11-day goalkeeping camp at the SAI centre, Bengaluru — led by coach David Williamson — was part of the pre-tournament preparation.
Former international Taeke Taekema led a specialised drag-flicking and penalty-corner camp during India's tour of Australia and New Zealand .
A semifinal win would move India closer to qualifying for the FIH Pro League .
India advanced to the semifinals of the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup in Auckland on 19 June, with drag-flick specialist Deepika attributing the team's strong pool-stage showing to targeted training programmes organised ahead of the tournament. The side topped Pool A unbeaten, defeating the United States, Japan, and Uruguay, and now stands one win away from qualifying for the FIH Pro League.
Deepika's Role and Impact
Deepika, who hails from Hisar, Haryana, has been among the standout performers of the competition. She scored twice from penalty corners in India's opening win over the United States and added another two goals in the 3-2 victory over Uruguay that sealed top spot in the group. With four goals in the pool stage, she is tied for the tournament's leading scorer.
'The specialised camp allowed us to work closely with experienced coaches and focus on parts of our game that need attention. The guidance and feedback we received were invaluable. I am thankful to Hockey India for creating and supporting opportunities like this that help us keep learning, growing, and performing better,' Deepika said.
The Training Programmes Behind the Performance
Five players who attended specialised camps organised by Anandana played key roles in India's unbeaten pool run. The programme included an 11-day goalkeeping camp at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Bengaluru, led by goalkeeper coach David Williamson and supervised by chief coach Sjoerd Marijne. The sessions targeted technical skills, game awareness, and decision-making under pressure.
A separate drag-flicking and penalty-corner camp — led by former international specialist Taeke Taekema — was held during India's tour of Australia and New Zealand, sharpening penalty-corner execution and overall team cohesion ahead of the Nations Cup.
Key Players in the Spotlight
Goalkeepers Savita from Sirsa, Haryana, and Bichu Devi Kharibam from Thoubal, Manipur, provided consistent stability between the posts throughout the pool stage. Defender Lalthantluangi from Thenzawl, Mizoram, and forward Annu from Jind, Haryana, also contributed to India's defensive solidity and attacking momentum.
Hockey India's Response
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey praised the squad's displays, singling out individual contributions. 'It's wonderful to see these athletes performing so well at the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup. Savita and Bichu have been exceptional in goal; Deepika's penalty corner strikes against the USA were remarkable. We are proud of their achievements,' Tirkey said.
What's Next
India's semifinal berth also keeps alive their bid to qualify for the FIH Pro League, the top tier of international hockey. The team's unbeaten record and goal-scoring form make them one of the favourites to progress, and their next outing in Auckland will test the depth of the training gains made in the build-up.
Point of View
With internationally credentialed coaches like David Williamson and Taeke Taekema, signals a maturing support ecosystem around the women's team. What is worth watching is whether this model is sustained beyond a single tournament cycle or remains a pre-event sprint. The FIH Pro League qualification on the line adds real stakes to the semifinal, and the team's form suggests the training dividend is paying off at exactly the right moment.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did India qualify for the FIH Women's Nations Cup semifinals?
India topped Pool A of the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup in Auckland with three wins — over the United States, Japan, and Uruguay — finishing the pool stage unbeaten. The result secured their semifinal berth and keeps alive their bid to qualify for the FIH Pro League.
Who is Deepika and why is she the standout player at the Nations Cup?
Deepika is an Indian drag-flick specialist from Hisar, Haryana. She scored four goals in the pool stage — two against the USA and two against Uruguay — and is tied for the tournament's top scorer heading into the semifinals.
What specialised training did the India women's hockey team undergo before the Nations Cup?
The team completed an 11-day goalkeeping camp at the SAI centre in Bengaluru, led by coach David Williamson and supervised by chief coach Sjoerd Marijne. They also attended a drag-flicking and penalty-corner camp led by former international Taeke Taekema during their tour of Australia and New Zealand. Both programmes were organised by Anandana.
Which other Indian players have impressed at the FIH Women's Nations Cup?
Goalkeepers Savita (Sirsa, Haryana) and Bichu Devi Kharibam (Thoubal, Manipur) have been consistent between the posts. Defender Lalthantluangi (Thenzawl, Mizoram) and forward Annu (Jind, Haryana) have also contributed to India's unbeaten pool-stage record.
What is at stake in India's semifinal at the FIH Women's Nations Cup?
Beyond the Nations Cup title, a strong finish gives India a pathway to qualify for the FIH Pro League — international hockey's top-tier annual competition. India's unbeaten form and goal-scoring depth make them strong contenders in Auckland.
