The Indian Women’s Hockey team is all set to begin their campaign at the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) at Rajgir, Bihar, sharpening the optimal aspects on crime score, fitness, and physical structuring aiming at the World Cup in 2026 and the Olympic Games in 2028. Harendra Singh, the chief coach from Bihar, aims to use this competition as a catalyst for the team’s international objectives over the years to come.
After the historic achievement of finishing fourth at the Tokyo Olympic Games, the Indian team endured a series of difficulties, especially with their failure to qualify for the 2024 Paris Games, and the particularly strenuous season that followed in the FIH Pro League. Coach Harendra is aware of these challenges but thinks the {ACT} will be a way forward for the team and a change of tactics within parameters as well as conditioning for better performance.
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“We’ve worked hard to overcome past mistakes. ACT will be the start of our journey towards the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics,” Harendra said.
Harendra’s priority focuses on better decision making within the striking circle. He’s helping players understand the importance of better occupation of space with the ball rather than a frantic chase for the goal. Strikers are taught Australian style to look at the situation and create opportunities with the ball rather than happening to score a goal.
With previous scorer Gurjit Kaur out of this lineup, more youthful talents like Deepika and Manisha Chauhan are coming into play. Harendra has over time been subjecting these players to intensive drag-flicks training with the wild ambition of building an all-around skilled drag-flickers.
“I’m confident in our young players like Deepika and Manisha. We’ve been working on their flicks, and I believe they will deliver when it matters,” he shared.
Fitness and Attitude: The Aim of the Training Program
Fitness is critical in modern hockey and this has been the special emphasis of the team’s training. For that, Harendra even brought the team to the Indian Naval Academy to enhance their endurance, knowing full well that physicality on the pitch is also crucial to mental stamina.
“Once you are fit, you’re mentally strong. It’s crucial in modern hockey,” said Harendra.
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Who is Leading the Charge? Salima Tete
Salima Tete, at 22, leads the team with a clear aim of performance and pushing the team spirit. She knows very well that China will be their rivals, but in ACT every team is capable of creating an upset.
“It’s a challenge for me, but I’m ready. My focus is on my performance, which will inspire others,” Salima stated.
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Rajgir: First International Hockey Venue of Bihar
The Rajgir Sports Complex—a dream of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar—represents the state’s step into international hockey ‘s incorporation rather a wider trend of sports in the state. Harendra, who is thrilled to coach in his native state, views this as a personal achievement and a developmental stage for the youth of Bihar.
“Bihar has changed after 75 years. This tournament is a symbol of that change. I urge everyone to take advantage of the facilities and aim for Olympic glory,” he said.
As the Indian women’s hockey team is getting ready to play their ACT opener against Malaysia, it goes without saying that they are not only defending their crown from the year before, but are also
