For Indian women’s hockey captain Salima Tete, the message ahead of their World Cup opener against China is simple — stay confident, stick to the plan and fight until the final whistle.India begin their campaign on Sunday against World No. 4 China in Pool D at Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, the Netherlands, knowing that a positive start could set the tone for what they hope will be a successful tournament.And while the team has spent considerable time working on its tactical game, Tete believes the focus has also been on preparing the players to handle the pressure that comes with playing on the biggest stage.“We have mainly worked on our fitness, tactical understanding and our team coordination. We have also focused a lot on improving our decision-making under pressure and being consistent throughout the match,” Tete told TOI.The captain also believes the team has learnt an important lesson from its recent experiences.“The biggest lesson is that we can compete against any strong team if we stay confident and stick to our plans. We have learned that small mistakes can make a big difference at this level, so we need to stay focused and disciplined for the full 60 minutes,” she said.That responsibility will be even greater for Tete, who will lead India into her first World Cup as captain. For the 24-year-old, it is a moment she has dreamt of, but one she also knows comes with added responsibility.“It is a very special and proud moment for me. Playing in a World Cup is a dream for every player, and leading my country as captain makes it even more special,” she said.Tete’s role, however, will extend beyond what she does on the field. She wants to ensure that the team stays united when the pressure begins to mount. “My biggest responsibility will be to lead by example, keep the team motivated and make sure that everyone stays together, especially during difficult moments,” she said.That togetherness, according to Tete, is also one of India’s biggest strengths.“I would say our biggest strength is our fighting spirit and togetherness. We never give up, and we always try to support each other. Even when things don’t go our way, we stay together and keep fighting until the final whistle,” she said.Since Sjoerd Marijne took over as head coach, India have also placed greater emphasis on structure and tactical discipline. Tete feels that work is beginning to reflect in the team’s performances.“We are becoming more confident in our style of play and are learning to adapt to different situations. I think the team is improving with every match,” she said.The first test of that progress will come against China, a side India know will demand their full attention from the opening whistle. “China are a strong team, so we need to start with confidence, stay focused on our plan and play with a lot of energy,” Tete said.For a young Indian side carrying plenty of new faces but also boasting significant experience, that balance between belief and discipline could prove crucial. And for Tete, the challenge is clear: lead from the front, keep the team together and make sure India stay in the fight for all 60 minutes.
