Australia will push us to our limits, we'll use that to become stronger unit: Salima
New Delhi, May 25
As the Indian women's hockey team geared up to face Australia in an eagerly anticipated four-match friendly series, skipper Salima Tete admitted that the hosts will push the side to its limits which the Indian women will use to become a stronger unit.
The friendly series marks a crucial point in the team's ongoing preparations for the upcoming FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup New Zealand 2025-26. The highly anticipated action will begin on Tuesday at the Perth Hockey Stadium.
Fresh from an encouraging display in Argentina earlier this year, where India held the world No. 2 side by levelling the four-match series 2-2 after losing two matches, the Indian squad enters this tour high on confidence.
The squad spent the last few weeks grinding through high-intensity tactical drills at the national training camp in SAI Bengaluru, which helped the players sharpen their skills, structural play, penalty corner variations and overall match fitness under the watchful eyes of chief coach Sjoerd Marijne.
Commenting on the emotions ahead of the tour, captain Salima said, "The entire squad is really looking forward to this tour. Playing against Australia, especially on their home turf, is always a tough challenge, and that is exactly what we need at this stage of our preparations. Every match in Perth will be crucial for us."
"We want to head into the Nations Cup in Auckland with momentum and confidence. Australia will push us to our limits, and we want to use that to become a stronger unit," she added.
The 22-member Indian squad features an exciting mix of youth and experience, with rising talents Sonam, Hina Bano and Lalthantluangi eagerly waiting for their opportunity. Currently ranked 9th in the FIH World Rankings, the Indian team is ready to pull out all stops to challenge their 8th-ranked opponents.
Squad-
Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas
Midfielders: Salima Tete, Lalremsiami, Neha, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Deepika Soreng, Sonam
Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Baljeet Kaur, Deepika, Annu, Ishika, Hina Bano, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, I think we need to improve penalty corner conversions if we want to beat Australia. Our defence under Savita has been rock solid, but scoring against a top-8 team requires clinical finishing. Good that Marijne is working on variations in Bengaluru camp.
Great to see the mix of experience and youth in the squad. Lalremsiami and Navneet Kaur have been consistent performers, but players like Hina Bano and Lalthantluangi bring fresh energy. The Nations Cup is going to be lit if we carry this momentum forward! 🔥
I think the team management should have included more penalty corner specialists. We have good rushers in defence but need someone who can consistently convert from set pieces. Still, Salima's captaincy has been impressive, and the team looks much more organized than last year.
So proud of our women's hockey team! From struggling in the lower ranks to competing with world No. 2 sides, the journey has been incredible. These friendlies are exactly what we need before the Nations Cup. Hoping for at least 2 wins against Australia. Come on India! 🏑💪
Salima's statement shows mature leadership. Acknowledging the challenge while being confident about growth is the right approach. The real test will be against Australia's aggressive pressing game, but our midfield with Sunelita Toppo and Deepika Soreng can counter that. Exciting times ahead!
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