Bengaluru, Sep 8: The Indian women’s hockey team has left for Japan for the 2026 Asian Games, aiming to build on its strong recent performances and secure the gold medal along with a direct qualification spot for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The team, led by captain Salima Tete and coached by Sjoerd Marijne, enters the tournament with renewed confidence after finishing fifth at the 2026 FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup. The result was India’s best finish at the World Cup since the inaugural edition in 1974.
The Asian Games will carry added importance for India, with the highest-placed eligible team in the women’s hockey competition earning a quota place for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, provided it has not already qualified through another route.
India will look to turn its recent progress into a major continental title. The team has shown greater consistency in international competition and will now face another important test in Japan.
The Asian Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya from September 19 to October 4. The hockey competition will bring together the leading teams from across Asia, making the tournament a crucial test for India ahead of the Olympic cycle.
For the Indian women’s team, the immediate target is clear — win the Asian Games gold and secure a direct ticket to Los Angeles 2028. A successful campaign would also strengthen India’s position in Asian women’s hockey and build further momentum after an encouraging World Cup campaign.
With experienced players and emerging talent in the squad, India will now look to make its opportunity count in Japan and turn its recent progress into a gold-medal finish.