Why Asian gold is within reach for India's women hockey team

Why Asian gold is within reach for India's women hockey team

India's women hockey team placed fifth at the World Cup in August

With the Asian Games in Japan set to start on Saturday, hopes are running high that India's women hockey players can contend for a medal — possibly even gold.

That confidence has been growing since August, when India staged an impressive recovery at the Hockey World Cup.

In a dramatic moment, goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam stretched full length to stop England from scoring what looked like a certain winner. India, captained by Salima Tete and coached by Sjoerd Marijne, went on to finish fifth — their best World Cup showing since they were fourth in 1974.

The transformation is notable. After two challenging years, India's women now appear to be a side capable of matching the best.

So what has changed?

Former India captain Pritam Siwach says the revival comes down to a more organised defence and dependable goalkeeping. India drew with China, England and Australia, scoring fewer goals but conceding very little.

"It's like saying: we may not set your house on fire, but we won't let you set ours on fire either," she said.

Observers have highlighted a clear rise in unity and team spirit in recent months, and much of the credit has gone to chief coach Marijne.

A former Dutch international, Marijne is familiar with the Indian women's hockey team, having coached them during their historic Tokyo Olympics campaign in 2021, when they finished fourth.

Results dipped after he left. He returned to take charge again in January 2026.

Members of the team warming up before a practice session in Bengaluru city

The Asian Games squad now combines seasoned players with younger talent from varied backgrounds and age groups.

Captain Salima Tete, 24, grew up in Barkichapar, a small tribal village in Jharkhand, learning hockey with bamboo sticks her father made. Her quick ability to move between defence and attack makes her an important player.

Many others in the squad also come from humble backgrounds.

Midfielder Neha Goyal told the BBC that she took up hockey in Haryana to get something as basic as "a decent pair of shoes and clothes". She says her alcoholic father died in 2017, leaving the family in financial difficulty. Even after Goyal became a professional, her mother worked in factories for years to help make ends meet.

The squad also spans generations — from 36-year-old midfielder Savita to 18-year-old Sakshi Rana. Then there is 26-year-old Lalremsiami, who brings both experience and energy.

Coach Marijne has also been prepared to leave out established players and give chances to others such as Shilpi Dabas, who had spent years on the edge of the national setup.

Another major shift has been the team's fitness, with specialist support staff making a key contribution.

"The addition of specialists such as a performance scientist has improved the players' conditioning while making the process enjoyable. Credit also goes to the players, who have given their 100%," said Bodhisattva Dass, former assistant physiotherapist with Hockey India.

Marijne's emphasis on trust-building also went beyond tactics on the pitch.

At the World Cup, players wore yellow and red unity bands on their wrists as a symbol of their shared identity as a team. During training, senior players were blindfolded and led around the field by juniors — an exercise meant to build trust and deepen their bond.

After the World Cup, Marijne told The Indian Express that Hockey India's instruction was straightforward: "Create unity, and show the outside world that they are enjoying themselves and that they are a team."

That focus on communication seems to have worked.

"Younger players never hesitate to approach the seniors, who are always ready to guide and support them," captain Salima Tete told Hockey India.

Experts have praised the team for its growing togetherness on the field

The India women team are now eighth in the world rankings after finishing fifth at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. With two wins, three draws and one defeat, it is progress — though challenges still remain.

Before winning the Women's Nations Cup in June, India had gone through a difficult period.

They missed out on the Paris Olympics and were relegated from the FIH Pro League in 2025-26. Coach Harendra Singh's surprise resignation in December added to the uncertainty.

Their attack at the World Cup was also still a concern. India scored only 11 goals, failed to score against England, the Netherlands and Australia, and scored six against South Africa alone.

Siwach believes the attack still needs work.

"The team needs to convert more chances and score more goals," she said.

Journalist Norris Pritam agrees, pointing to weak penalty-corner conversion and the need for a more attacking approach to reduce pressure on the defence.

At the upcoming Asian Games, China, Japan and South Korea are expected to be among their toughest opponents.

Several players, including Navneet Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu and Lalremsiami, return with Asian Games experience after India's bronze-medal finish in 2023.

Japan brings mixed memories for Lalremsiami. The Mizoram-based forward was playing in Hiroshima in 2019 when she learned that her farmer father had died. Rather than go home, she stayed with the team and helped India secure a place in Olympic qualifying.

Another Olympic place is now on the line. Gold at the Asian Games would send India directly to the Los Angeles Olympics.

"The new coach has instilled confidence and camaraderie. They are playing as a well-knit unit. China will be the biggest rival, but if India stays focused, they can overcome the challenge," says Pritam.