Asian Games: Why gold is within reach for India’s women hockey team

The India women team now have the eighth place in world rankings after securing the fifth spot at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. After two wins, three draws and a defeat – it marks progress, but the challenges remain.

Before winning the Women’s Nations Cup in June, India had endured a difficult spell.

They failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics and were relegated from the FIH Pro League in 2025-26. Coach Harendra Singh’s unexpected resignation in December added to the uncertainty.

Their World Cup attack also remained a concern. India scored just 11 goals, failed to score against England, the Netherlands and Australia, and netted six against South Africa alone.

Siwach believes attacking remains an area for improvement.

“The team needs to convert more chances and score more goals,” she said.

Journalist Norris Pritam agrees, pointing to poor penalty-corner conversion and the need for a more attacking style to ease pressure on the defence.

In the upcoming Asian Games, China, Japan and South Korea are likely to be among their toughest rivals.

Several players, including Navneet Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu and Lalremsiami, return with Asian Games experience after India’s bronze-medal finish in 2023.

Japan holds mixed memories for Lalremsiami. The Mizoram-based forward was playing in Hiroshima in 2019 when she learnt that her farmer father had died. Instead of returning home, she chose to stay with the team and helped India secure an Olympic qualifying place.

Another Olympic place is at stake now. Gold at the Asian Games would earn India direct qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics.

“The new coach has instilled confidence and camaraderie. They are playing as a well-knit unit. China will be the biggest rival, but if India stays focused, they can overcome the challenge,” says Pritam.

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