Indian Women's Hockey Team Set for Australia Tour Ahead of Nations Cup
Tour Announcement
Hockey India has revealed that the Indian Women's Hockey Team will embark on a tour to Australia from May 21 to June 3, 2026. This trip is part of their preparations for the upcoming FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup 2025-26, which is scheduled to occur from June 15 to 21 in Auckland, New Zealand.
Match Schedule in Australia
During their time in Australia, the Indian team will compete in four matches against the Australian side at the Perth Hockey Stadium from May 26 to May 30, 2026. The initial two matches are set for May 26 and 27 at 5:00 PM IST, while the final two will take place on May 29 and 30 at 11:00 AM IST.
Post-Tour Plans
After concluding their Australian tour, the team will head to New Zealand for additional practice matches in preparation for the Nations Cup, as stated in a press release from Hockey India.
Recent Performance and Training
The Indian Women's Hockey Team arrives in Australia following a successful tour in Argentina earlier this year, where they secured two victories out of four matches. Since returning, the team has been engaged in rigorous training at the national camp in SAI Bengaluru, concentrating on enhancing crucial skills ahead of a busy international schedule.
Specialized Training for Drag-flickers
Thanks to support from Anandana, the Coca-Cola India Foundation, the team's drag-flick specialists will participate in a dedicated training clinic led by Dutch hockey legend Taeke Taekema. This clinic will take place in Perth, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand, from May 26 to June 21, 2026.
Coach's Insights on the Tour
Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne emphasized the significance of this tour, stating, "I am very pleased that Hockey India has facilitated this tour, as these matches will allow us to pinpoint our weaknesses and track our progress since our training camps. After our experience in Argentina, we can now assess how close we are to achieving the level of our recent victories and maintain our momentum."
He also noted that the tour would aid the team in acclimatizing to conditions before arriving in New Zealand. "By breaking up the long journey, we can adapt more quickly. The climate in New Zealand is cooler, and the conditions in Perth will be more similar to what we will face there," he added.