The Indian Women\u2019s Hockey Team is preparing for the marquee event following the tournament, which is scheduled to take place in August this year, after draw revealed on Tuesday evening.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
China are the top-ranked team in the group, currently ranked World No. 4. India\u2019s recent opponents in the finals and winners of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Hyderabad, Telangana - England are ranked sixth, with India and South Africa ranked ninth and nineteenth, respectively. With vastly different styles of play, the group will pose an exciting challenge for the Indian squad.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThis is a very competitive and balanced pool. There are teams like England and China that bring different styles and a lot of experience, while South Africa women\u2019s national field hockey team is always unpredictable and dangerous on their day,\u201d Marijne said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHowever, for us, it\u2019s not about the draw - It\u2019s about how we show up. At a World Cup, every match demands your best. We respect all opponents, but our focus is on playing our style of hockey with consistency and courage\u201d, he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India clinched second place in the recently concluded FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Hyderabad, Telangana, falling short against England in the final. Despite the final hurdle, there were plenty of positives for the team. They finished the tournament as the second-highest goal scorers (11 goals), with six of those coming from penalty corners.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHowever, for us, it\u2019s not about the draw - It\u2019s about how we show up. At a World Cup, every match demands your best. We respect all opponents, but our focus is on playing our style of hockey with consistency and courage\u201d, he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Having guided the team to a fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Marijne returned to lead the side in January this year. Elaborating on his vision for the squad, he stated, \u201cWe are building something long-term. We want to build a team that is resilient, adaptable, and fearless. Qualifying was the step, but we are aiming for much more. The first steps have been made in the right direction, but there is much more to go if we want to be successful.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n