After winning the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26 in New Zealand, the Indian women’s hockey team’s drag-flicking unit attributed their improved penalty-corner performance to the specialized training camp led by Dutch legend Taeke Taekema. Taekema, known for his expertise in drag-flicking, collaborated with the team during their preparations in Australia and continued to work with them in New Zealand under chief coach Sjoerd Marijne.
During the tournament, India scored 13 goals from penalty corners, with player Deepika emerging as the joint-top scorer with six goals converted from such set pieces. Reflecting on the camp, Deepika emphasized the detailed approach taken, including video analysis of opponents’ defensive strategies and goalkeeping techniques. She acknowledged Taekema’s guidance in maintaining composure and focus during pressure situations, highlighting the importance of consistent execution.
Lalthantluangi, another player focusing on enhancing her drag-flicking skills, shared her learning experience from the camp. She discussed the technical aspects of the drag flick, emphasizing the importance of coordinated movements, body balance, and precise execution. Lalthantluangi highlighted the camp’s impact on her patience, learning process from mistakes, and the significance of discipline in practice sessions.
Annu, expressing her perspective, noted the boost in confidence gained from training under Taekema’s mentorship. She mentioned that Taekema’s experience instilled belief in her abilities, enabling her to trust her techniques and remain composed during critical moments in the tournament. The players collectively credited the camp for their success in the Nations Cup, underscoring the value of hard work and dedication in their training sessions.
