As the Indian women’s hockey team sharpens its preparations for the FIH World Cup Qualifier in Hyderabad, forward Navneet Kaur believes the biggest evolution in the modern game lies beyond scoring goals. For today’s striker, she says, defensive responsibility is no longer optional- it is essential.
“In today’s hockey, attacking alone is not enough,” the 30-year-old said said in a statement released by Hockey India. “Even as a striker, defensive skills are very important. Applying pressure without the ball, tackling, and helping win possession back can completely change the momentum of a match.”
The national camp is a crucial part of India’s build-up to the World Cup Qualifier, scheduled from March 8 to 14. With only the top three teams earning a place at the 2026 Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands, the stakes could not be higher.
“Our goal is very clear,” Navneet Kaur. “We want to qualify for the World Cup and give our best performance in the qualifiers.”
Kaur’s comments reflect a broader shift in international hockey, where speed, pressing, and collective defending have become as important as flair in the attacking circle. For India, the emphasis on all-round play has been reinforced under newly appointed head coach Sjoerd Marijne, whose return to the setup has brought clarity and structure to the team’s approach.
“He has a very direct way of communicating,” Kaur said. “He clearly tells us what he expects, what we need to improve, and what kind of performance he wants on the pitch. There is no confusion, and that helps us function better as a unit.”
Read More
Several senior players in the squad have previously worked with Marijne, and Kaur believes that familiarity has helped the team settle quickly during the camp. “He understands how Indian players play, and we also understand what he wants from us. That mutual understanding helps the team move forward faster,” she said.
Kaur arrives at the national camp with confidence flowing, having recently captained SG Pipers to the Women’s Hockey India League title. She also highlighted how the league has had a visible impact on younger players in the national setup.
Also Read: Hockey India League Prize Money: How Much Did Champions Kalinga Lancers Earn?
“Playing alongside international players changes the confidence level,” she said. “The exposure and learning from the league are clearly visible when the players come back into the national camp.”
With Hyderabad set to host a high-pressure qualification tournament, India will rely not just on goals, but on energy, discipline, and collective effort across the pitch. For Kaur, the message is clear: in modern hockey, success belongs to those willing to work just as hard without the ball as with it.
