'We are well-trained and ready': Captain Salima Tete ahead of FIH Pro League

The Indian women's hockey team is determined to bounce back in the FIH Pro League after a disappointing campaign last season.

Led by Arjuna Awardee Salima Tete, with Navneet Kaur as her deputy, the team is focused on delivering stronger performances at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar from February 15 to 25.

India's road ahead

India will begin their campaign with back-to-back matches against England on February 15 and 16.

They will then face Spain on February 18 and 19 before taking on top-ranked opponents—World No. 4 Germany and World No. 1 Netherlands—on February 21, 22, 24, and 25.

The home crowd support at the Kalinga Stadium is expected to play a key role in India's performance.

After finishing eighth last season with only eight points from 16 games, India is determined to turn things around. The team enters the tournament with confidence, having won the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy and performed well in the Hero Women’s Hockey India League.

Captain Salima Tete acknowledged past struggles but expressed confidence in the team’s preparations. "We had a disappointing season last time, but I feel we are well-trained and prepared to do better this time around. We are facing strong opponents, but we are ready to take on the challenge and give our best on the field."

Coach Harendra Singh's influence

Head coach Harendra Singh, who rejoined the team in April last year, has been instrumental in strengthening team tactics and fostering a strong team culture. "The girls have worked extremely hard in the camp, and I am confident that we have a squad capable of competing on par with all our opponents. With the support of the home crowd, we need to focus on winning maximum points," he said.

Salima Tete also praised Harendra Singh’s approach, saying, "The team culture and bonding have improved significantly. If team culture is strong, it reflects on the ground. Communication is seamless with Harendra sir, and we can openly discuss strategies and concerns with him."

India's performance in this edition of the Pro League will be crucial in their preparations for upcoming international tournaments. With a well-balanced squad featuring experienced players like Savita, Sushila Chanu, Vandana Katariya, and Nikki Pradhan, alongside rising stars like Deepika, Sunelita Toppo, and Jyoti, the team aims to make a strong impact in the competition.