The winds of change are sweeping through Indian women’s hockey as a new captain takes the helm, embodying a revitalized philosophy centered on relentless intensity and unwavering drive. At just 22, Salima Tete has already earned over 100 international caps, establishing herself as a midfield dynamo with explosive speed and deft skills. Now, under the guidance of returning coach Harendra Singh, Tete is ready to lead the charge as India sets its sights on redemption at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Finding Her Voice
For Tete, accepting the captaincy meant more than just donning the armband; it required a personal transformation. Known for her quiet nature off the pitch, Tete had to confront her reservations and embrace the mantle of leadership. “I never used to talk much. I didn’t have a voice,” Tete confessed to ESPN. “Sir gave me the feedback that I have to talk. I have to use my voice if I want to lead the team.”
Harendra Singh, the architect behind India’s new high-velocity style, recognized Tete’s immense potential but also identified the need for her to assert herself. “He told me that I play really well but he wanted me to talk and have a voice of a leader and that’s how the team will also take me as an example,” Tete revealed. With the support of her teammates, especially former captain Savita Punia, Tete gradually found her confidence and her voice.
Embodying High-Intensity Hockey
On the pitch, Tete is the embodiment of the new Indian philosophy: power, strength, and blistering speed. Her ability to carry the ball and make explosive runs down the flanks has made her a potent attacking threat. Now, as she transitions to a central midfield role, Tete’s dynamism and tireless work rate will be crucial in dictating the tempo of India’s play.
Coach Harendra Singh makes no compromises when it comes to fitness, emphasizing the importance of “high-speed fitness” in the modern game. Tete, with her obsessive commitment to her physical conditioning, perfectly aligns with this ethos. “Fitness is a general word, but I emphasise on high-speed fitness. We’re looking at more agile and speedy players,” Singh explained.
For Tete, fitness is a non-negotiable aspect of her game. Even during breaks, she maintains a rigorous training regimen, running with her father every morning in her village in Jharkhand. “If I miss my running even for a single day, I will feel the day has been wasted,” Tete confessed, underlining her unwavering dedication.
Freedom to Play, Freedom to Lead
Under Harendra Singh, the Indian team has been given the license to express themselves on the pitch, with a focus on quick decision-making and interchangeable positions. Tete highlighted the newfound freedom, stating, “He told me not to contain my speed. He told all the players who possess speed to ensure they run hard. He gave us freedom on the pitch.”
This flexibility allows players like Tete to showcase their versatility, seamlessly transitioning between roles as the game demands. “We have the freedom now. The strikers can fall back and become a link to the midfield. I will play centrally, and my role is to be a feeder, but I am not restricted,” Tete explained.
Learning from Paris, Aiming for LA
The disappointment of missing out on the Paris Olympics still lingers, but Tete and her teammates are determined to learn from the experience and focus on the present. “I feel sad even now. We have worked so hard,” Tete admitted. “Maybe I could’ve done things differently. But I also realised there’s no point thinking about it now. Do not think about the past or the future but only about the present.“
As Tete leads India into the Asian Champions Trophy, her first major tournament as captain, the team’s sights are firmly set on the future and the ultimate goal of Olympic glory in Los Angeles. With a new philosophy, a new voice, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Salima Tete is ready to write a new chapter in Indian hockey history.
Coach Harendra Singh makes no compromises when it comes to fitness, emphasizing the importance of “high-speed fitness” in the modern game. Tete, with her obsessive commitment to her physical conditioning, perfectly aligns with this ethos. “Fitness is a general word, but I emphasise on high-speed fitness. We’re looking at more agile and speedy players,” Singh explained.
For Tete, fitness is a non-negotiable aspect of her game. Even during breaks, she maintains a rigorous training regimen, running with her father every morning in her village in Jharkhand. “If I miss my running even for a single day, I will feel the day has been wasted,” Tete confessed, underlining her unwavering dedication.
Freedom to Play, Freedom to Lead
Under Harendra Singh, the Indian team has been given the license to express themselves on the pitch, with a focus on quick decision-making and interchangeable positions. Tete highlighted the newfound freedom, stating, “He told me not to contain my speed. He told all the players who possess speed to ensure they run hard. He gave us freedom on the pitch.”
This flexibility allows players like Tete to showcase their versatility, seamlessly transitioning between roles as the game demands. “We have the freedom now. The strikers can fall back and become a link to the midfield. I will play centrally, and my role is to be a feeder, but I am not restricted,” Tete explained.
Learning from Paris, Aiming for LA
The disappointment of missing out on the Paris Olympics still lingers, but Tete and her teammates are determined to learn from the experience and focus on the present. “I feel sad even now. We have worked so hard,” Tete admitted. “Maybe I could’ve done things differently. But I also realised there’s no point thinking about it now. Do not think about the past or the future but only about the present.“
As Tete leads India into the Asian Champions Trophy, her first major tournament as captain, the team’s sights are firmly set on the future and the ultimate goal of Olympic glory in Los Angeles. With a new philosophy, a new voice, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Salima Tete is ready to write a new chapter in Indian hockey history.
