Indian women’s hockey has taken another significant step forward on the international stage. After an unbeaten campaign at the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup, the team not only lifted the trophy but also secured promotion to the prestigious FIH Pro League, a competition featuring the world’s elite hockey nations. While the victory marked a major milestone for the squad, head coach Sjoerd Marijne believes there is still room for improvement, particularly when it comes to converting chances from open play.
India defeated hosts New Zealand 2-0 in the final in Auckland, producing a disciplined and composed performance to clinch their second Nations Cup title. Goals from experienced forward Navneet Kaur and midfielder Sunelita Toppo ensured India finished the tournament unbeaten and earned a return to the Pro League, where they will face some of the strongest teams in world hockey.
The triumph was particularly significant as it represented the first tournament victory under Marijne since his return as head coach. The Dutchman praised his team’s growth throughout the competition and highlighted the importance of learning how to win high-pressure matches.
“Of course, we are delighted to win our first tournament and final together,” Marijne said after the victory. “It was crucial for us to learn how to win finals, especially after our recent heartbreak against England in the World Cup qualifier. The team improved with every match. We relied on a very strong and well-organised defence.”
India’s defensive structure was one of the defining features of the campaign. Throughout the tournament, the team displayed discipline, composure and tactical awareness, conceding very few opportunities to opponents. Goalkeepers Savita and Bichu Devi, along with a solid defensive unit led by experienced campaigners, played a key role in India’s success.
However, despite the title-winning run, Marijne stressed that India’s attack still needs refinement.
“While we created enough opportunities to score more, that remains an area where we must keep working. Our penalty-corner conversion was very good throughout this tournament. If we can achieve a higher conversion rate for field goals, that will be fantastic.”
India’s penalty-corner unit was among the tournament’s most effective weapons. Drag-flick specialist Deepika emerged as one of the competition’s standout performers, finishing as the joint highest scorer with six goals. Her consistency from set pieces provided India with a reliable source of goals throughout the event. The tournament showcased India’s balance between experienced players and emerging talent. Several young players stepped up during crucial moments, reinforcing the team’s growing depth ahead of a busy international calendar.
Marijne also acknowledged the pressure that came with entering the competition as the highest-ranked side in the field. “It is never easy to win a tournament when you enter as the highest-ranked team. We showed that we can manage that pressure well. “Moving forward, playing against the top teams in the world will provide an important learning process for our youngsters. Testing ourselves at the highest level is exactly what we need to grow to the next tier.”
India’s journey to the title was impressive from start to finish. They opened their campaign with a victory over the United States before registering convincing wins against Japan and Uruguay in the group stage. The team then overcame a spirited Chile side in the semifinals before producing a professional display against New Zealand in the championship match.
One of the standout performers in the final was striker Lalremsiami, whose tireless work rate and attacking presence earned her the Player of the Final award. Her performances throughout the tournament highlighted her growing importance within the national setup.
Following the title victory, Hockey India announced cash rewards of Rs 3 lakh for every player and Rs 1.5 lakh for each member of the support staff in recognition of their achievement.
Captain Salima Tete described the triumph as the reward for months of preparation and hard work. “It feels absolutely amazing to lift this trophy. Our entire team worked incredibly hard for this moment. We entered this tournament with a clear mindset to bring the trophy home. Securing promotion back to the Pro League was extremely important for us. I am proud that we achieved our goal.”
Salima, who has emerged as one of India’s most influential leaders, believes the victory could have a lasting impact on the squad’s confidence as they prepare for bigger assignments.
“This victory provides a massive boost to our confidence. The team is playing with a very strong mindset right now. Every single match in this tournament was highly important for us. This win gives us the perfect momentum for our future preparations.”
The Nations Cup triumph arrives at a crucial time for Indian women’s hockey. With the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup scheduled for August and a return to the Pro League on the horizon, the team now has the opportunity to test itself regularly against global powerhouses such as the Netherlands, Argentina, Australia, Belgium and Germany.
For Marijne and his players, the title is more than just another trophy. It is evidence of a team steadily evolving, learning to handle expectations and building the confidence required to compete consistently among the world’s best. While improvements in finishing remain a priority, India’s successful campaign in Auckland has provided a strong foundation for the challenges that lie ahead.
