India Sets Sights on FIH Women's Hockey World Cup Qualification

India, under returning coach Sjoerd Marijne, will compete in the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup Qualifiers aiming for one of three direct berths. The tournament features eight teams, including hosts India, with matches beginning against Uruguay. The competition serves as a crucial step for World Cup qualifications.

India's women's hockey team embarks on a crucial journey at the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup Qualifiers, aiming to secure one of the three coveted spots for the 2026 World Cup. The tournament, featuring host India alongside teams like England and Korea, kicks off this Sunday against Uruguay.

With Sjoerd Marijne back at the helm, India's squad is determined to build on their historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics. Ranked ninth globally, India enters the qualifiers as favorites, preparing intensively for tough matches ahead. Success in the tournament could lead them to their ninth World Cup appearance.

The qualifiers are structured with eight teams split into two pools, where the top two from each advance to the semifinals. The winners, alongside the highest-ranked fourth-place team, will secure their World Cup berths, propelling the intense competition among participants vying for global hockey prominence.

(With inputs from agencies.)