India women's hockey captain Salima Tete has set her sights firmly on reaching the final of the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026, scheduled from 15 to 30 August, as the squad arrives at the tournament buoyed by an unbeaten run to the FIH Nations Cup title. Tete, who will lead India at a World Cup for the first time, says the team's collective dream is to go further than ever before.

Pool D Campaign and Opening Challenge

India have been drawn in Pool D and will open their campaign against China on 16 August, followed by fixtures against South Africa on 18 August and England on 20 August. The 20-member squad is in the final phase of preparations under Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne, blending seasoned campaigners with promising young talent.

On facing China in the opener, Tete was direct: 'We are ready for the challenge. We know what happened the last time we played them, but this is a new tournament and a fresh opportunity for us.' She added that her message to the team would be to play with confidence and a fighting spirit — 'from the first whistle to the last.'

What Tete Said About Leading India

'It is a very special feeling for me. Of course, I am excited, but I am also a little nervous because this is the biggest tournament in hockey and leading India is a huge responsibility,' Tete said. She acknowledged that the previous World Cup did not deliver the results the team had hoped for, but stressed that the squad is now aligned on a single target: 'We are all talking about going much further and reaching the final. That is the dream we all share.'

Tete also emphasised her personal responsibility as skipper: 'I know that my first responsibility is to perform well because when I lead through my performances, I can support the team even better.'

Team Cohesion and Handling Pressure

The captain credited open communication as the squad's greatest strength. 'The younger players are never hesitant to approach the seniors, whether it is for advice on the field or simply to discuss something,' she noted, adding that experienced members are always ready to guide them. Tete's message to the younger players has been consistent: trust the hard work, play freely, and avoid placing extra pressure on themselves simply because it is a World Cup stage.

On pressure management, Tete said the team's approach is to embrace it rather than fear it. 'We believe in taking pressure positively. If we stay mentally strong, support each other and remain confident, we can overcome every challenge that comes our way,' she said.

Motivation and Coaching Philosophy

Tete identified representing India as the squad's primary motivation. 'Every time we wear the Indian jersey, we step onto the field knowing that we are playing for the country — that gives us immense pride,' she said. The coaching staff, she added, keep their messaging simple: believe in yourselves and play the hockey you know. 'They have confidence in our abilities, and that confidence gives us the motivation to perform at our best,' she said.

With the World Cup less than a month away, all eyes will be on whether India's Nations Cup momentum can translate into a landmark run on the sport's grandest stage.