Indian women's hockey captain Salima Tete has expressed confidence in her team's ability to defend their title at the Madhya Pradesh Women's Asian Champions Trophy Bhopal 2026, as the three-time champions prepare for their final assignment of the year on home soil. The tournament will also mark the first time international hockey comes to Bhopal.

A Year of Landmark Results

India head into the Bhopal event riding an extraordinary wave of form. The side claimed an Asian Games gold medal in Japan last month, having also won the FIH Nations Cup earlier in the year and secured fifth place at the FIH World Cup — their best finish since 1974. Salima believes these back-to-back achievements have cemented a winning culture within the squad.

'We kept going a step up in each tournament and won the Asian Games gold in Japan. So, our consistency is good. We will try to maintain the standards we have set for ourselves and keep raising the bar,' Salima said in an interview with Hockey India.

Focus on Process, Not Opposition

India defeated China in the Asian Games final, and the two sides are expected to be among the top contenders again in Bhopal. However, Salima made clear the hosts would not let their preparations be shaped by what rivals do.

'Definitely, China will come prepared, but we are not focusing on what our opponents are doing. We are just focusing on ourselves, our structure, following coach's instructions. In short, we want to play our game,' she said.

Under chief coach Sjoerd Marijne, the team has also been drilling positional flexibility, ensuring players can step into different roles if injuries or circumstances demand mid-tournament adjustments. 'We have the capacity to adapt and perform. That's the right approach and prepares us to play in any position whenever required. Every player is excited to take up this challenge, and it also helps keep the environment positive,' the skipper added.

Goalkeeper Changes and Squad Depth

India will head into the tournament without experienced goalkeeper Savita, who has been rested. Bansari Solanki has joined the squad as cover, alongside Bichu Devi as another option between the posts. Salima acknowledged the difference in experience but backed both keepers to deliver.

'There is difference in experience, but we have Bichu (Devi) who has been at the top of her game throughout the year, and Bansari is someone who works really hard, always eager to learn, which is a very positive sign. We have trust in everyone who comes into the team, and it's the same with goalkeepers,' she said.

Pride of Playing at Home

With the Bhopal event representing the side's last competitive outing of 2026, Salima wants the squad to embrace the occasion with the same unity that has driven their recent success. 'It's the last tournament of the year for us, so we will try to enjoy and once again showcase the belief and trust we have in each other,' she said.

The prospect of playing in front of a home crowd for the first time in Bhopal has added to the team's excitement. 'We are really excited to play in Bhopal; it's the first international tournament there. It's always a special feeling to play on home soil with fans cheering for us in the stands,' Salima said. With a historic year behind them and a title to defend, India will look to sign off 2026 in emphatic fashion.