Fresh off a historic fifth-place finish at the World Cup, the Indian women's hockey team has departed for Japan with sights set on winning Asian Games gold and securing direct qualification for the LA28 Olympics.
Following a historic fifth-place finish at the 2026 FIH Women's Hockey World Cup—the best performance ever by an Indian team—the squad has departed for Japan to compete in the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, scheduled from September 19 to October 4.
The team completed its training camp at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) campus in Bengaluru, where SAI also unveiled mock athlete quarters designed to replicate the container-based accommodation in Japan. The target for forward Navneet Kaur, defender Lalremsiami Hmarzote, goalkeeper Savita Punia, and skipper Salima Tete is clear: win India's first continental gold medal in women's hockey since 1982.
Reflecting on the squad's preparation, Navneet Kaur shared that after a brief three-day break focused on diet and recovery, the team quickly turned its attention to offensive drills. Under head coach Sjoerd Marijne and drag-flick coach Taeke Taekema, the forward line has been training on field goals, creating chances inside the 'D', and executing penalty corners.
Goalkeeper Savita Punia emphasized the team's long-term objective of qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics through a strong showing at the Asian Games. Savita also spoke on pushing fellow goalkeeper Bichu in training, citing the tradition of mentorship she previously experienced with senior goalkeepers Yogita Bali and Rajani Etimarpu.
With confidence boosted by their strong performances against European teams and a key draw against China at the World Cup, the squad is taking an approach focused on taking matches quarter-by-quarter in their pursuit of Asian Games gold.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Hockey. Photo courtesy The Hindu Hockey.