“We Are Well Prepared” Indian Women’s Hockey Team Captain Salima Tete Ahead of Australia Tour

The Indian Women's Hockey Team is set for a key tour of Australia from 21 May to 3 June, with Captain Salima Tete saying heavy training at the SAI centre in Bengaluru is sharpening fitness, skills and mental strength after a modest Argentina trip.

The matches against Australia at Perth Hockey Stadium, from 26 May to 30 May, are seen as vital tune-ups for the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup in Auckland, as well as the World Cup and Asian Games planned in the coming months.

Tete said the squad is leaving no stone unturned, calling Australia a really strong opponent that guarantees high-quality contests. She thanked the coach for his hard work and said the team is very excited and determined to play its best hockey on tour.

The captain noted daily improvement in training and praised young players who are receiving chances and performing well. She stressed the need to keep backing them so they continue to grow and help build squad depth for major events later this season.

Fitness work at SAI Bengaluru

Discussing the current camp, Tete said everyone is working very hard on fitness, which she called vital to beat any team. She added that senior and junior players are focused on physical standards that can lift performances in tight matches.

Tete recalled strong displays in the World Cup qualifiers but said there is room to improve, especially with the team making a comeback after earlier challenges. She underlined that strong fitness levels remain central as preparations continue at SAI Bengaluru for the Australia tour.

Lessons from Argentina tour

The team toured Argentina in April, facing top-tier opposition that Tete described as a huge achievement. She said the exposure helped assess depth and blend next-generation players, while also building momentum they want to carry into Australia, the Nations Cup, World Cup and Asian Games.

Tete said the current focus is the Australia tour, where they aim to give their best and gain confidence for the next tournaments. She spoke about staying disciplined, following the game plan, working on strengths and weaknesses, and handling pressure with calm preparation.

Australia tour schedule

The Indian Women's Hockey Team will play four matches against Australia at Perth Hockey Stadium during the tour window. These fixtures are seen as a crucial part of build-up for international events in 2026, including the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup in Auckland, New Zealand.