Bengaluru, Feb 6 (NationPress) Star forward Navneet Kaur of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team emphasizes that in contemporary hockey, merely focusing on offense is insufficient. She underscores the critical role of defense, even for forwards, as the team gears up at the national camp in preparation for the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup Qualifier in Hyderabad, Telangana.

“In modern hockey, a striker must also possess defensive abilities. I am prioritizing my tackling skills and pressuring opponents without the ball, as regaining possession is vital for our team's success,” she expressed.

Navneet confirmed that the team's main aim is to secure a spot in the 2026 Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup. “Our objective is straightforward: we intend to qualify for the World Cup and perform our best during the qualifiers,” she stated.

This camp, a crucial phase of India’s preparation for the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup Qualifier in Hyderabad, is set to occur from March 8 to 14. The top three teams from this tournament will earn their place in the 2026 Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup.

Describing the atmosphere at the camp, Navneet noted, “The camp is progressing well. With a new coach and a strong core group, the quality of training is excellent. Everyone is dedicated, and we are gearing up effectively for the upcoming competition.”

Navneet also commented on collaborating with the newly appointed Head Coach Sjoerd Marijne, praising the clarity he has introduced to the team.

“His communication style is very straightforward. He articulates his expectations clearly, identifying areas for improvement and the type of performance he desires during matches. This eliminates confusion and enhances our team dynamics,” she explained.

Having several senior players familiar with Marijne's coaching style, Navneet believes this has enabled the squad to adapt quickly. “He understands the playing style of Indian players, and we are aware of his expectations. This mutual understanding accelerates our progress as a team,” she added.

Recently, Navneet led her team, SG Pipers, to triumph in the Women's Hero Hockey India League, remarking on the exposure it provided. “Playing alongside international players in the Hero Hockey India League has significantly boosted the confidence of younger players. The learning acquired from that experience is evident when they return to the national camp,” she noted.

She highlighted that the mindset within the squad has transformed remarkably. “There is a very positive atmosphere in the camp. Players are eager to explore new strategies. Even if something doesn't yield immediate results, we persist in pushing ourselves and continue to learn,” Navneet concluded.