Archive · 26 Aug 2026
India Women Target Best-Ever World Cup Finish Amid HIL Concerns
India’s women’s hockey team is having one of its best World Cup tournaments ever.
The team did not reach the semi-finals, but it can still finish fifth.
India will play Germany in its next match.
The team lost to the Netherlands, who are Olympic champions.
It also drew with China, who won an Olympic silver medal.
The players say the Hockey India League has helped them improve.
They worry that the women’s league may not continue because of money problems.
Captain Salima Tete says the league gives more players chances to join national camps and become better players.
India’s women’s hockey team will play Germany for fifth place at the World Cup.
The team has already secured its strongest World Cup campaign since 1974.
India lost only to Olympic champions the Netherlands and drew with Olympic silver medallists China.
Players credit the Women’s Hockey India League with improving their game and expanding the national talent pool.
The women’s HIL faces an uncertain future because of financial challenges.
- Who
- India’s women’s hockey team, led by captain Salima Tete, will play Germany.
- What
- India is seeking its best-ever Women’s World Cup finish and is concerned about the future of the Women’s Hockey India League.
- When
- The fifth-sixth place qualification match is scheduled for Thursday; the team’s best-ever finish would be its highest since 1974.
- Where
- At the Women’s Hockey World Cup; the specific venue is not stated.
- Why
- The team wants to continue the league because players say it improves performance, broadens the talent pool and provides exposure, but its future is threatened by financial challenges.
- Upcoming match
- India versus Germany for fifth-sixth place
- Previous results
- India lost to the Netherlands and drew with China
- Potential achievement
- The team is on course for its best-ever World Cup finish since 1974
- League at issue
- Women’s Hockey India League
- League benefit
- Players say HIL improves their game and expands the national talent pool
- Main concern
- The women’s HIL faces an uncertain future because of financial challenges
- Captain
- Salima Tete