BiGG Author 
With sticks raised high and determination even higher, the Indian women’s hockey team is preparing for a critical international campaign as they open their Asia Cup 2025 journey against Thailand on September 5. This prestigious tournament, set to be held in China, is more than just another championship — it’s a crucial qualifier for the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup, and India is eyeing nothing less than victory.
🏑 A Revival in Motion
India’s women’s hockey team has been on an upward trajectory ever since their unforgettable fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Though they narrowly missed a medal, the team captured the imagination of the country and ignited a revival in interest and investment in women’s hockey.
Now under the dynamic leadership of coach Janneke Schopman, the team blends international professionalism with homegrown firepower. The squad features seasoned names like Savita Punia (goalkeeper and captain), Vandana Katariya, and rising star Salima Tete, all of whom bring experience, speed, and a fighting spirit.
🌍 Asia Cup: More Than Just a Trophy
The Asia Cup serves as a direct qualification path for the 2026 World Cup, making it a high-stakes event. India has previously won the Asia Cup title twice — in 2004 and 2017 — and reached the final in the last edition in 2022, where they finished runners-up to Japan.
This year, the team is confident about reclaiming the title. “We’ve had a solid training camp in Bengaluru and are working on building sharper penalty corner conversions and faster transitions,” said Savita Punia in a recent press briefing.
India’s group includes competitive teams like Thailand, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan, but the real test will come in the later stages against powerhouses like China, Japan, and South Korea.
📈 Preparation and Tactical Focus
The Indian team has been refining its strategy through a series of international friendlies, including a recent tour of South Africa and matches against European clubs. The emphasis has been on:
- Possession control and counter-attack efficiency
- Drag-flicking strength via specialists like Gurjit Kaur
- Tight defensive structuring, especially in the circle
Assistant coach and analytical head Suman Bala noted, “We’ve used GPS-based tracking and video analytics to improve spatial awareness and off-the-ball movement — crucial in high-pressure international games.”
🇮🇳 Government and Public Support
The team’s preparations are bolstered by the backing of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and schemes like Khelo India and TOPS, which ensure financial security, international exposure, and injury rehabilitation support.
Public enthusiasm is also steadily growing. Social media campaigns around the players’ training have helped boost their visibility, and major broadcasters are expected to carry the Asia Cup games live — a much-needed spotlight for women’s sports in India.
🔥 Road to Paris 2026 and Beyond
While the Asia Cup is the immediate priority, the larger ambition is clear: medalling at the 2026 World Cup and qualifying for the Paris 2026 Olympics with a strong global ranking.
The path won’t be easy, especially with the European nations gaining dominance in recent years. However, the Indian team’s blend of youthful exuberance, seasoned leadership, and growing international experience makes them a formidable force.
🏁 Final Whistle
As the Indian women’s hockey team prepares to step onto the turf in September, their mission is as clear as their resolve — to dominate Asia, qualify for the world stage, and reignite the national dream of hockey supremacy. From Rourkela to Ranchi and Chennai to Chandigarh, fans are ready to cheer them on.
India isn’t just chasing goals on the field — it’s chasing legacy.
