“We will Win FIH World Cup This Time …….” Reveals Skipper Salima Tete Ahead of China’s Encounter
There is an interesting co-relation between heart and Mind, they always operate in distinct direction most Importantly, there are few instances when these two important organs/machinery is on the same page.
When it happens everything you destined comes alive, one such interpretation we have witnessed in latest press conference explained by Women Skipper Salima Tete.
She said the Upcoming World Cup belongs to us and we are here to win and many experts believes that Indian team certainly have chance after winning FIH Nations Cup.
However Keeping practicality in mind, They will be up against China, which won’t be easy task at all so for them to make it to next round they would need to exhibit quality hockey.
Before we dive deep into what she said, India’s Performance in FIH World Cup haven’t been satisfactory baring Men’s Team who won mega event in 1975 under Ajit Pal Siingh Leadership.
Women’s Team had to win their first World Cup title.
“This time FIH World Cup will be ours. We will play smart, attacking Hockey and bring back medal. I have full belief in my team” Tete told Sportstar.
“We have ability to do it. I am very excited, especially this will be my 2nd world cup. Every player dreams of playing world cup and win medal. Our Last Tournament was held in New Zealand. FIH Nations Cup was huge success . We won it and brought home medal so we will be doing the same we are looking for World Cup” he said .
“The Asian Games are also approaching we know we will face strong teams. Our Pool in World Cup is challenging we are preparing for it” he added.
Let’s reveal Entire Team to be shared in the below format:
Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas
Midfielders: Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (c), Neha, Deepika Soreng
Forwards: Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Beauty Dungdung
.
India Women’s Hockey Team – FIH World Cup 2026 Squad
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam |
| Defenders | Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas |
| Midfielders | Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (C), Neha, Deepika Soreng |
| Forwards | Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Beauty Dungdung |
India’s FIH Women’s World Cup 2026 League-Stage Schedule
| Match | Opponent | Venue | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇨🇳 China | Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen | 16 August 2026 | 4:30 PM |
| 2 | 🇿🇦 South Africa | Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen | 18 August 2026 | 6:30 PM |
| 3 | England | Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen | 20 August 2026 | 6:30 PM |
Salima Tete’s World Cup Message
| Key Point | Salima Tete’s Message |
|---|---|
| World Cup Target | “This time FIH World Cup will be ours.” |
| Playing Style | India will look to play smart, attacking hockey. |
| Medal Ambition | Tete expressed full belief that India can win a medal. |
| Team Confidence | She believes the team has the ability to achieve its World Cup goals. |
| Nations Cup Impact | India’s FIH Nations Cup triumph has provided the squad with confidence and momentum. |
| Young Players | Tete highlighted the motivation and contribution of the team’s young players. |
| Tough Pool | She acknowledged that India’s World Cup pool is challenging and will require strong preparation. |
| Overall Goal | The squad is aiming to produce quality hockey and make a strong impact at the World Cup. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is the captain of the Indian women’s hockey team for the FIH World Cup 2026?
Answer: Salima Tete is the captain of the Indian women’s hockey team for the FIH World Cup 2026. She has expressed strong confidence in her team and believes India can win a medal at the tournament.
Q2: What did Salima Tete say about India’s chances at the FIH Women’s World Cup 2026?
Answer: Salima Tete said, “This time FIH World Cup will be ours.” She believes India will play smart, attacking hockey and has full faith in the team’s ability to perform strongly and bring home a medal.
Q3: Who are India’s opponents in the FIH Women’s World Cup 2026 league stage?
Answer: India will face China, South Africa and England in the league stage of the FIH Women’s World Cup 2026. The three matches will be played at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen.
Q4: When will India play China in the FIH Women’s World Cup 2026?
Answer: India will face China on 16 August 2026 at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen. The match is scheduled to begin at 4:30 PM. China will present a significant challenge for the Indian team.
Q5: When will India play South Africa and England?
Answer: India will play South Africa on 18 August 2026 at 6:30 PM, followed by their match against England on 20 August 2026 at 6:30 PM. Both matches will be played at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen.
Q6: Who are the goalkeepers in India’s FIH Women’s World Cup 2026 squad?
Answer: India’s goalkeeping department consists of Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam. Both players will be important as India looks to make a strong campaign at the World Cup.
Q7: Who are the defenders in India’s World Cup squad?
Answer: India’s defenders are Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti and Shilpi Dabas. They will play a crucial role in maintaining India’s defensive structure.
Q8: Who are India’s midfielders and forwards for the 2026 World Cup?
Answer: The midfielders are Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete, Neha and Deepika Soreng. The forwards include Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur and Beauty Dungdung.

Q9: Has India women’s hockey team won the FIH Women’s World Cup before?
Answer: India women’s hockey team is still searching for its first FIH Women’s World Cup title. India’s men’s team has won the World Cup once, claiming the 1975 title under captain Ajit Pal Singh.
Q10: Why is Salima Tete confident about India’s World Cup campaign?
Answer: Tete’s confidence comes from the team’s recent success at the FIH Nations Cup, where India won the tournament and secured a medal. She believes the combination of experienced players, young talent and team spirit can help India produce a strong World Cup campaign.



