If there is one moment that can be identified as the beginning of Indian women’s hockey’s decline after the high of Tokyo, it is the 2022 Asian Games final.India’s defeat to China that night in Hangzhou was a devastating blow. Their hopes of making it to the Olympics took a major hit, and after failing in the qualifiers, they ultimately couldn’t make it to Paris.However, Salima Tete & Co. will hope to finally put that loss behind them when they face world No. 4 China in their World Cup opener in Pool D at Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, the Netherlands, on Sunday.To say it’s going to be a tough test would be a mere understatement. Under Australian coach Alyson Annan, China have won Asian Games gold, an Olympic silver in Paris and the Asian Cup title last year. They now enter the World Cup as one of the title challengers.India, on the other hand, have gone in the opposite direction since that fateful night in Hangzhou.The team was relegated from Pro League last year, lost the Asian Cup final — once again against China — and endured numerous injuries to key players. Away from the field, there was more trouble as players rebelled, coaches resigned and there were reports of a breakdown in trust and team unity.But with Dutch coach Sjoerd Marijne taking over early this year, things gradually started to fall into place. More importantly, the team began to rediscover its belief. They did enough to qualify for their third consecutive World Cup, won the Nations Cup and went toe-to-toe with Australia and Argentina in their own backyard during friendlies.They were solid in defence, created opportunities and scored from penalty corners. In recent times, they have also started working on their attacking structures to up their game.“I have also always felt that we needed to learn how to press better, especially because when young players come into the team, they don’t always understand pressing immediately. So, the coaches have taught us new pressing strategies,” said Neha, who will be playing in her third World Cup.But perhaps the biggest change has come away from the tactical board. The players themselves feel more connected, and that improved cohesion is beginning to show on the field.“The off-field bonding has improved a lot, and I think that is also showing in our performance on the field. If your connection off the field isn’t good, it will eventually show on the field as well,” said Nikki Pradhan, one of the five players in the squad with more than 200 international appearances.And that experience is now being complemented by a new generation. The squad has a handful of youngsters, including teenagers Sunelita Toppo and Sakshi Rana, who will be experiencing a World Cup for the first time.For India, Sunday is about much more than just the opening game of a World Cup. It is another chance to measure how far they have come since that painful night in Hangzhou. The scars of that defeat may never completely disappear, but this time, Salima and her team will hope to write a different story.
