The Indian women’s hockey team stands at a crucial juncture—straddling the memory of past glory and the urgency of present challenges. After missing out on the 2024 Paris Olympics, the team now sets its sights firmly on the FIH Pro League as a strategic step towards direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Under the guidance of coach Harendra Singh, who replaced Janneke Schopman earlier this year, the team is undergoing a careful rebuild. It’s not just about skills on turf; it’s about confidence, chemistry, and consistency. Singh, who previously led the Indian men’s team and is known for his aggressive, results-driven approach, is focused on restoring the team's rhythm and identity.
India’s return to the FIH Pro League began with a fixture against Australia in London. This tournament is no longer just another event in the calendar—it has become a battlefield for automatic qualification. With co-hosts Belgium and the Netherlands already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, the Pro League standings offer the next best route for teams like India. A top-three finish could ensure a World Cup berth, saving the team from the uncertainty of last-minute qualification tournaments.
India’s performance in the ongoing Pro League season has been modest so far—just two wins from nine matches. However, the team’s roster reflects a renewed mix of youth and experience. Salima Tete, now one of the standout young leaders, has stepped into a key midfield role, while veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia continues to bring stability at the back.
The recent past has been turbulent. After the dream run to a fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the women’s team couldn’t maintain the momentum. They faltered in the crucial stages of the 2023–24 cycle, including the Asia Cup and Olympic Qualifiers. With growing competition from Asian rivals like Japan, China, and Korea, the road ahead is anything but easy.
Still, there’s reason for optimism. The team is now engaging in longer overseas stints and more structured tours. Their European leg includes matches against Australia, Argentina, Belgium, and Germany—all top-ranked sides. These encounters offer not just points, but critical exposure. As coach Harendra puts it, “We need to improve day-by-day. If we do that consistently, we can finish in the top four and qualify without waiting for last-minute events.”
India has also banked on sports science and psychology more than ever before. From GPS tracking of player fatigue to mental resilience programs, the backend of Indian hockey has evolved. There’s also a growing emphasis on analytics—studying opponent styles, penalty corner conversion rates, and individual heat maps.
Yet, no strategy matters if the team doesn’t rediscover its core: speed, aggression, and unity. In the past, India’s women defied rankings and reputations to stun top teams. The spirit of that Tokyo squad remains a template. What the current lineup must do is replicate that belief under pressure, not just in one-off matches, but across a long, grinding league.
The FIH Pro League is more than a tournament; it’s a test of endurance and evolution. For India, it offers a real chance to script a comeback that doesn’t depend on luck or wildcard entries. Every goal, every pass, every tackle in this campaign could shape their World Cup future.
If Harendra Singh and his team can channel discipline into dynamism, India’s women’s hockey may not just qualify for the 2026 World Cup—they could well return as contenders.
