Indian women's hockey captain Salima Tete believes the team's recent Nations Cup triumph has given the side the confidence to compete for the top prize in the FIH Women's World Cup 2026, despite being handed a challenging pool.India head into the World Cup on the back of winning the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand, and Tete believes the momentum from that success can propel the team to another medal-winning campaign on the biggest stage, the World Cup, to be held at jointly hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to 30."This time, the FIH Hockey World Cup will be ours. We will play smart, attacking hockey and bring back a medal. I have full belief in my team. We have the ability to do it," Tete told JioStar."Our last tournament in New Zealand, the FIH Nations Cup, was a great success. We won it and brought home the medal."So this time, in the World Cup, our goal is the same. Every match counts, and we will treat each one with equal importance. We are determined to play our best hockey and bring back the gold medal."Tete, who is set to play in her second World Cup, said the team's focus will be on approaching every match with a winning mindset despite being handed a challenging pool."Playing in the World Cup is every player's dream. It's a huge opportunity for us. Just like the FIH Nations Cup and the FIH Pro League, top teams will be competing."With the Asian Games also approaching, we know we will face strong teams. Our pool in the World Cup is challenging, and we are preparing for tough matches," she said."Our goal is to go into every match with a clear plan and a winning mindset."The 24-year-old captain also acknowledged that nerves are…
This report has been adapted by the PurePlay Sports Desk from coverage by The Bridge, The Hindu Sportstar.