New Delhi, June 25: The Indian women’s hockey team is expected to maintain a consistent core group of players for both the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup and the Asian Games, with chief coach Sjoerd Marijne emphasizing continuity as the side prepares for two major assignments scheduled within a short span.
The World Cup will be held in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to 30, while the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, will begin less than three weeks later. The continental event carries added significance as it offers a direct qualification pathway to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Speaking about the team’s planning, Marijne said the coaching staff views the two tournaments as interconnected rather than separate challenges. According to him, valuable lessons gained from competing against the world’s best teams at the World Cup can provide a competitive advantage heading into the Asian Games.
The Dutch coach recalled a similar situation in 2018 when both events were held close together on the calendar. He believes the experience demonstrated how a high-level tournament can strengthen confidence, improve match readiness and help players adapt to pressure situations before entering a crucial continental competition.
Marijne made it clear that while the World Cup remains an important objective, the Asian Games hold greater strategic importance because of the Olympic qualification opportunity. He explained that playing intense international matches against elite opposition would allow the squad to fine-tune its game before the decisive campaign in Japan.
The team composition is also expected to remain largely unchanged. While a 20-member squad can be selected for the World Cup, only 18 players are permitted in the Asian Games. As a result, the coaching staff intends to rely on a largely settled group throughout both competitions.
Another major boost for the side comes from the continued involvement of Dutch hockey great Taeke Taekema. The former drag-flick specialist, who has been associated with the Indian women’s programme in a specialist coaching role, will accompany the team during both tournaments.
Taekema recently extended his association with Hockey India and is expected to remain involved with the women’s programme through the Los Angeles Olympic cycle. Marijne praised the former Netherlands international for his wide-ranging contributions beyond penalty-corner expertise.
According to the coach, Taekema has become an important figure in several tactical areas, including attacking penalty corners, defensive structures and mentoring defenders. His international experience and technical knowledge are seen as valuable assets as India aims to strengthen its performances on the global stage.
The former Dutch star enjoyed a distinguished playing career, scoring prolifically for his national side and earning recognition as one of the most dangerous drag-flickers in world hockey. His presence is expected to enhance India’s preparations in key match situations where set-piece efficiency often proves decisive.
Meanwhile, team captain Salima Tete praised striker Deepika for her remarkable return after recovering from a serious hamstring injury that sidelined her for a significant period. The forward made an immediate impact during the recent FIH Nations Cup campaign and emerged as one of the tournament’s leading scorers.
Deepika’s return has added fresh momentum to the Indian attack, with her pace, technical ability and penalty-corner conversion skills providing an additional edge. Salima highlighted the confidence the team places in the young player, particularly in crucial moments when a goal is needed.
The skipper noted that the entire squad stood behind Deepika during her rehabilitation process and remained confident she would regain her best form. Her successful comeback, according to Salima, reflects both her determination and the support system within the team environment.
As preparations intensify for the World Cup, the Indian camp remains focused on building consistency, sharpening tactical execution and improving performance under pressure. The coaching staff believes that maintaining a settled combination will help the players develop stronger on-field understanding and cohesion.
With two major tournaments approaching rapidly, India hopes that a blend of experienced campaigners, emerging talent and specialist support staff will provide the foundation for a successful season. The ultimate goal remains securing a place at the Los Angeles Olympics, and the team sees the coming months as a crucial step toward achieving that ambition.