Indian Women's Hockey Team Prepares for Asian Games with Team-Centric Approach

Coach Marijne Advocates 'Team First' Mindset

Sjoerd Marijne, the Chief Coach of the Indian women's hockey team, has emphasized the importance of prioritizing team goals over personal aspirations as the squad gears up for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4. Hockey India recently unveiled the 20-member roster, with Salima Tete continuing as captain after leading the team to victory in the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand last month.

Emphasis on Individual Roles and Team Goals

In a statement following the squad announcement, Coach Marijne encouraged players to concentrate on their specific roles while keeping the team's objectives at the forefront. He highlighted that achieving collective success will naturally lead to individual accomplishments. Marijne stated, "One piece of advice for players is to focus on your own task and do that as well as possible, and focus on the team goal, not your individual goal, because if you focus on the team goal, you will reach your individual goal, but not the other way around. This mindset has proven beneficial for the team in recent months, and I continue to reinforce it."

Commendation for Team Leadership

Marijne praised Salima Tete for her exemplary leadership and ability to motivate younger teammates with her enthusiasm on the field. He also acknowledged the contributions of senior players like Navneet Kaur, Sushila Chanu, Savita, Bichu Devi, Nikki Pradhan, and Neha Goyal, noting that their collective guidance sets high standards for the entire team. He remarked, "Salima is a great role model for younger players, leading by example and energizing the team. Navneet Kaur plays a crucial role in tactical aspects, while others like Sushila and Savita also contribute significantly. When these players set a good example, it becomes easier for the rest to follow suit."

Continuous Improvement Despite Recent Triumph

The Indian team recently secured the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup title in New Zealand with a decisive 2-0 win against the hosts. Navneet Kaur scored the first goal, followed by Sunelita Toppo, who sealed the victory. The team showcased a disciplined defense, limiting their opponents to just one chance and one penalty corner during the final. However, Marijne pointed out that there is still room for improvement, particularly in converting field opportunities into goals. He expressed satisfaction with the team's defensive structure, which he believes will provide a solid foundation even on less-than-ideal days.

A Well-Balanced Squad for the Asian Games

Marijne characterized the squad for the Asian Games as a well-rounded blend of junior, experienced, and senior players. He believes this selection reflects the right mix of personalities and potential, having evaluated players over the past five months through various tours and tournaments. He stated, "This combination of juniors, experienced players, and seniors is what I always aim for to achieve the right balance. We've spent five months together, and I believe this is the ideal mix of talent and character."

Indian Women's Hockey Squad for Asian Games 2026

The 20-member Indian squad for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 includes:
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.