Indian women's hockey team goalkeeper Savita Punia has declared that India will step into the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup 2026 armed with fresh conviction, backed by their FIH Nations Cup gold medal triumph and a string of competitive outings against the world's top sides. For Punia, the tournament carries deep personal meaning as she prepares for a third consecutive World Cup appearance — a milestone she attributes to years of relentless effort and one she intends to meet with heightened responsibility.

A Third World Cup, a Deeper Responsibility

'Playing in the World Cup means a lot to me because this is my third World Cup. For any hockey player, the World Cup and the Olympics are the two biggest stages. Every athlete dreams of representing their country on those platforms. To be part of a third consecutive World Cup is a huge achievement. I have worked extremely hard to get here, and in every edition, I have tried to give my best for the team. This time, I have more experience, and that gives me confidence. As a senior player, I want to lead by example, stay calm under pressure, and help the team perform at its best,' Punia said.

The veteran goalkeeper's third World Cup berth is not merely a personal landmark — it signals the consistency India's goalkeeping unit has maintained over a highly competitive cycle in international hockey.

Nations Cup Gold Fuels Confidence

India's Nations Cup victory provided the squad with tangible proof of their growth. Punia credited those performances — particularly the close encounters against Argentina, Netherlands, and Germany during the FIH Pro League — as evidence that the team belongs among the elite.

'Winning the FIH Nations Cup was a big achievement because all the top teams were there. It was a competitive tournament, and coming out on top gave us a huge boost and winning a gold medal after a long time has lifted the team's morale and belief. In recent years, during the FIH Pro League, we have played close matches against top sides like Argentina, Netherlands, and Germany. Those games showed us that we can match the best teams in the world. I can confidently say about this Indian women's hockey team that while all the teams are world-class, there is no team we cannot compete with. We have the skill, the fitness, and the mindset to challenge anyone on our day,' she stated.

Changed Approach to Preparation

Beyond results, Punia pointed to a cultural shift within the squad's preparation ethos. Players, she noted, now take personal ownership of their conditioning, diet, injury prevention and recovery — a departure from earlier cycles where athletes relied almost entirely on coaching staff directives.

'The approach has changed over time. Earlier, players used to do only what the coach told them. Now, everyone takes ownership of their fitness and recovery. We pay attention to diet, injury prevention, and extra sessions. As goalkeepers, we often have three or four additional sessions in a week, but we stay motivated because we know it will help us perform when it matters most,' Punia explained.

She added that India's primary focus heading into the tournament remains their own game plan rather than opponents: 'Every team in the World Cup is strong, and there are no easy matches. But if we play to our strengths and stick to our plans, we have a real chance of finishing on the podium.'

Salima Tete's Leadership and Squad Unity

As one of the squad's most senior figures, Punia also spoke warmly of the leadership dynamic within the group. She reserved particular praise for captain Salima Tete, describing her as both a 'phenomenal player' and an 'aggressive midfielder' whose speed is a tactical asset, especially in penalty corner defence.

'Salima is not only a great captain but also a phenomenal player and an aggressive midfielder. Her speed is a big strength for us, especially when she charges out as the first runner during penalty corner defense. She reads the game well and puts pressure on the opposition early. She respects the senior players, seeks advice when needed, and maintains a strong connection with the team. Along with vice-captain Navneet Kaur, she helps lead the group forward and ensures everyone stays on the same page,' Punia said.

With the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup 2026 on the horizon, India will look to Punia's experience, Tete's dynamism, and a squad that has collectively raised the bar of its own preparation to make a genuine run at the podium.