Bengaluru, May 21: Under the leadership of Salima Tete, the Indian women’s hockey team departed for Australia on Thursday. The team is set to play four matches against the host nation at the Perth Hockey Stadium on May 26, 27, 29, and 30.
This tour presents a significant opportunity for the Indian team to test their skills against one of the world’s top teams. Following the Australia tour, the team will head to New Zealand for the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2026, scheduled from June 15 to 21. Captain Salima expressed confidence in her team before their departure, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming matches against Australia.
In a statement from Hockey India, Salima said, “The entire team is eagerly looking forward to this tour. Playing against Australia, especially on their home ground, is always a tough challenge. Given the crucial international tournaments later this year, we need challenges like this at this stage of our preparations.”
She added, “We have had a rigorous training camp over the past few weeks, focusing on our fitness, combinations, and technical shape. I believe the team has come together very well, and the matches in Perth will allow us to put our hard work into practice against one of the best teams in the world.”
After the FIH Women’s Nations Cup 2026, the Indian team will also participate in the World Cup and the Asian Games. Captain Salima highlighted the significance of the Australia tour in light of these major international tournaments.
She stated, “Every match in Perth will be crucial for us. We want to head into the Nations Cup in Auckland with rhythm and confidence. Australia will push us to our limits, and we aim to use this experience to become a stronger, more united unit. The Nations Cup will be another important marker as we progress towards the Asian Games and World Cup. We want to peak at the right time, and this tournament is a step in that direction.”
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