2 weeks ago
Savita: Indian women's hockey has real World Cup podium chance
Savita Punia is the goalkeeper for India's women's hockey team.
She says the team is very confident before the big Hockey World Cup.
India recently won a tournament called the FIH Nations Cup.
It was their first big international gold medal in a long time.
This will be Savita's third World Cup, which is a very special achievement.
India will play their first World Cup game against China on August 16.
Savita says the team can compete with strong countries like Argentina, Netherlands, and Germany.
The players now work hard on their fitness, eating well, and staying healthy.
Captain Salima Tete helps keep the team united and focused.
Savita believes India has a real chance to finish on the podium.
Savita Punia says India's FIH Nations Cup gold has given the team belief to challenge any opponent at the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup 2026.
The 36-year-old goalkeeper will feature in her third consecutive World Cup for India.
India open their World Cup campaign against China on August 16, with South Africa and England also in Pool D.
Savita cited close FIH Pro League matches against Argentina, Netherlands and Germany as proof India can match the world's best.
She credited captain Salima Tete and vice-captain Navneet Kaur, and said players now take greater ownership of fitness, recovery and diet.
- Who
- Savita Punia, senior goalkeeper of the Indian women's hockey team; captain Salima Tete and vice-captain Navneet Kaur are also highlighted.
- What
- India will compete in the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup 2026, aiming for a podium finish after winning the FIH Nations Cup.
- Where
- New Delhi, India; World Cup Pool D matches are against China, South Africa and England.
- When
- India's World Cup campaign opens against China on August 16; Savita spoke to JioStar on August 13.
- Why
- India's FIH Nations Cup title and close FIH Pro League matches against top teams boosted the team's confidence and belief.
Key facts
- Event
- FIH Hockey Women's World Cup 2026
- India's recent title
- FIH Nations Cup gold medal
- India's pool
- Pool D
- Pool D opponents
- China, South Africa, England
- Opening match
- India vs China, August 16
- Savita Punia's age
- 36
- Savita's World Cup appearances
- Third consecutive
- Team leaders
- Captain Salima Tete, vice-captain Navneet Kaur
Quotes
Savita Punia
Indian women's hockey goalkeeper and veteran player
““We are going into the Women’s Hockey World Cup with a lot of confidence, but our main focus is on our own game. Every team in the World Cup is strong, and there are no easy matches, but if we play to our strengths and stick to our plans, we have a real chance of finishing on the podium.””
theprint.in
rediff.com
“"Playing in the World Cup means a lot to me because this is my third World Cup. For any hockey player, the World Cup and the Olympics are the two biggest stages. Every athlete dreams of representing their country on those platforms."”
thehansindia.com
rediff.com
Sources
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