~ Three-time winners India are set to put up a strong defence of their Asian Champions Trophy crown with momentum on their side after winning the Asian Games gold in Japan last month
"VAN" (Sports Desk - 15.11.2026) :: As the Indian women’s hockey team prepares to defend its Asian Champions Trophy crown in Bhopal, captain Salima Tete believes the side is carrying the confidence and consistency gained from a landmark year.
Having won the FIH Nations Cup and following it up with a fifth-place finish at the FIH World Cup (best since 1974) and clinching a historic Asian Games gold in Japan, the team has plenty of reasons to be optimistic heading into the Madhya Pradesh Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Bhopal 2026.
In this interview with Hockey India, Salima speaks about the team’s preparations, the importance of adaptability, the emergence of young players and the excitement of playing an international tournament at home.
How’s the mood in the camp as you head to Bhopal to defend your Asian Champions Trophy title?
We are obviously excited and well prepared, playing the tournament at home for third straight edition. After the Asian Games, we have built a lot of confidence and want to continue that winning momentum and consistency. A few young players have got an opportunity and we are there to support them.
It has been a very successful year for the team. How does it contribute to mental preparedness heading into a fresh tournament?
Starting with qualifying for the World Cup and then winning the Nations Cup, we built momentum right from the start of the year. It showed in the World Cup where we registered our best finish, fifth place, since 1974. We kept going a step up in each tournament and won the Asian Games gold in Japan. So, our consistency is good. We will try to maintain the standards we have set for ourselves and keep raising the bar. It’s the last tournament of the year for us, so we will try to enjoy and once again showcase the belief and trust we have in each other.
You defeated China in the Asian Games final last month and they have never won the Asian Champions Trophy. Does that make them a dangerous team?
Definitely China will come prepared, but we are not focusing on what our opponents are doing. We are just focusing on ourselves, our structure, following coach’s instructions. In short, we want to play our game.
Team’s Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne has stressed upon developing the ability to play in different positions in order to negate situations where a player gets injured in big tournaments. What are your views on that?
Touchwood! No player should get injured. But yes, we are also looking at developing our skills in positions different from where we usually play. We have the capacity to adapt and perform. That’s the right approach and prepares us to play in any position whenever required. Every player is excited to take up this challenge, and it also helps keep the environment positive.
Savita has been an inspirational figure as the team’s last line of defence. Will her absence make a difference?
Savita has been rested for this tournament, and Bansari (Solanki) has come in her place. Obviously, there is difference in experience, but as you said, we have Bichu (Devi) who has been at the top of her game throughout the year, and Bansari is someone who works really hard, always eager to learn, which is a very positive sign. We have trust in everyone who comes into the team, and it’s the same with goalkeepers.
How exciting is it to be playing at a new destination for international hockey in India?
We are really excited to play in Bhopal; it’s the first international tournament there. It’s always a special feeling to play on home soil with fans cheering for us in the stands.
Pic Cr-FIH
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