The Indian women’s hockey team is preparing to face Australia in a four-match friendly series, with captain Salima Tete acknowledging the challenge that awaits. This series is a crucial part of their preparations for the upcoming FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup New Zealand 2025-26, set to kick off at the Perth Hockey Stadium on Tuesday. Following a strong performance in Argentina earlier this year, where they drew with the world No. 2 team in a four-match series, the Indian squad is entering this tour with confidence.
The team has been honing their skills through intense tactical drills at the national training camp in SAI Bengaluru in recent weeks. These drills focused on improving their skills, structural play, penalty corner strategies, and overall match fitness under the guidance of chief coach Sjoerd Marijne. Captain Salima expressed the team’s excitement for the tour, emphasizing the tough challenge of playing against Australia on their home ground. She highlighted the importance of these matches in building momentum and confidence for the upcoming Nations Cup in Auckland.
Featuring a blend of youth and experience, the 22-member Indian squad includes promising talents like Sonam, Hina Bano, and Lalthantluangi. Currently ranked 9th in the FIH World Rankings, the Indian team is determined to give their all against their 8th-ranked opponents in Australia. The squad is geared up to face the challenge and aims to emerge as a stronger unit through this series.
