Shillong: The Indian women's hockey team begins its FIH Nations Cup campaign on Monday against the United States in Auckland. Captained by Salima Tete, the squad aims for a strong start to reclaim a spot in the elite FIH Pro League after being relegated following the 2024-25 season.
India enters the tournament ranked ninth, holding a slight edge over the 12th-ranked United States. Following the opening match, the team will face Japan on June 16 and Uruguay on June 18 to conclude the pool stage. The eventual winner of the eight-nation tournament will secure promotion to the Pro League for next year, with knockout rounds scheduled for June 20 and 21.
The team arrives in Auckland following a competitive four-match series in Australia, where they secured two victories and demonstrated improved tactical discipline. The coaching staff believes the recent tour highlighted the group's ability to maintain a "potent attacking threat" even when under significant pressure.
Beyond immediate promotion, the tournament serves as a critical developmental milestone for India. The experience gained against high-quality opposition will assist the players in their long-term preparations for upcoming major events, including the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup and the Asian Games.
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