With the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers set to begin in Hyderabad, midfielder Baljeet Kaur believes the Indian women’s hockey team has the right blend of youth, pace and preparation to secure a place at the upcoming World Cup.
The qualifiers, scheduled to take place from March 8 to March 14 at the G.M.C. Balayogi Hockey Stadium in Hyderabad, will see eight teams competing for three available spots at the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026. For India, the stakes are clear qualification for the global showpiece and a chance to reaffirm their standing in international hockey.
Baljeet, one of the energetic figures in India’s midfield, says the squad is entering the tournament with a single-minded objective.
“Our goal is to win and qualify for the World Cup. We want to perform well and give our best so that we can bring a medal for the country,” she said ahead of the tournament.
Youth and pace define India’s squad
The Indian team heading into the qualifiers features a mix of experienced players and exciting young talent. According to Baljeet, that combination has helped create a dynamic and high-energy group capable of competing against strong opposition.
“There are many young and speedy players in the team and it’s a very good combination. The flow within the group is good and the fitness level is high,” she noted.
Speed and fitness have become defining traits of the current Indian setup, particularly in midfield transitions and counter-attacking situations. The coaching staff has emphasised high-intensity hockey, with quick ball movement and relentless pressing forming key elements of the team’s tactical approach.
For Baljeet, who is known for her aggressive playing style and tireless work rate, the system suits her natural game.
Intensive preparation ahead of qualifiers
India’s preparation for the tournament has included an extensive national camp where the team worked on both technical and tactical improvements.
Baljeet expressed satisfaction with how the training phase unfolded.
“The camp went very well and the training sessions were good. We worked on different aspects, including our shooting, and everything progressed well,” she explained.
In modern international hockey, midfielders like Baljeet play a critical role not only in defensive transitions but also in supporting attacking moves. Improving finishing and circle entries has therefore been a key focus area for the team during training. Baljeet herself concentrated heavily on fitness before joining the camp. “Before coming to the camp, one of my main focus areas was improving my fitness, and I worked a lot on that during the training period,” she added.
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Baljeet’s rise to the national team reflects a story familiar in Indian hockey one built on determination, community support and persistence. She began playing hockey in 2012 in her village Kaka Kandiala in Punjab, when she was studying in the seventh standard.
What first sparked her interest was simple curiosity.
“My uncle’s daughter used to play hockey, and I would always ask her where she was going early in the morning. She would say she was going to the ground to practice, and that made me curious. That’s how I started playing,” Baljeet recalled.
Recognising her potential, she later moved to a school in Tarn Taran, where she gained better opportunities to train and compete. Her performances eventually earned her a place in the Junior National Camp in 2017, marking a major step forward in her hockey journey.
Overcoming early challenges
Like many athletes from rural backgrounds, Baljeet’s path to professional sport was not easy.
Access to equipment and resources was often limited during her early years in the sport. “It was not easy for us to play hockey because our family couldn’t afford the equipment,” she said. “People in our community helped us a lot by providing hockey sticks and shoes. My siblings and I are very thankful for that support.”
That support system played a crucial role in ensuring she could continue pursuing the sport seriously. Baljeet eventually broke into the senior Indian team in 2022, but she acknowledges that maintaining a place at the top level has required constant effort.
“Since 2022, sometimes I have been in the team and sometimes I have been out of it. My goal is to keep improving and continue playing for India that is the only thing on my mind,” she said.
Playing with aggression and belief
Baljeet’s aggressive style of play is one of her defining characteristics on the field. Her speed, tackling ability and determination make her an important presence in India’s midfield. She believes that competitive instinct has been part of her personality since childhood.
“You can describe me as an aggressive and speedy player. That aggression comes from within. When I see someone doing something well, I feel that if they can do it, then I should be able to do it too,” she explained.
Even when people in her village initially questioned her decision to pursue hockey, she remained committed to her goal.
“Some people used to say that I should stop playing and focus on my studies, but my family eventually supported me and they still do. That support means a lot,” she said.
Crucial matches ahead in Hyderabad
India will begin their campaign at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers against Uruguay on March 8, before facing Scotland on March 9 and Wales on March 11 in the pool stage.
The tournament offers only three qualification spots for the World Cup, making every match critical.
Playing in front of home fans in Hyderabad could provide a valuable advantage for the Indian side. With a young, energetic squad and players like Baljeet eager to prove themselves, the team will be aiming to make the most of the opportunity. For Baljeet Kaur, the objective is simple deliver strong performances and help India return to the world stage.
And as the qualifiers begin, she and her teammates will carry both ambition and belief onto the field.
