The Indian women’s hockey team is all set to take on Thailand as they kick off their Women’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign on September 5.
India, having last faced Thailand during the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024 in November last year, will be looking to maintain their momentum and secure a convincing win. The two teams have met seven times in the past, with India winning all encounters and conceding only one goal across those matches.
Speaking about the upcoming clash, Indian captain Salima Tete said, “Though Thailand is ranked much lower than us in the FIH Rankings, we are not looking at them—or any team—as an easy opponent, and we will go all out in every match. This will be our first game of the Asia Cup 2025, and it will set the pace for the rest of the tournament. We plan to test our strength and strategies and aim for a big win before facing Japan the next day.”
India, along with Japan, Thailand, and Singapore, have been drawn into Pool B. They will face Thailand at 12 p.m. IST on Friday. The team will be aiming to top their pool and advance to the Super 4, moving one step closer to the trophy.
Looking ahead, Harendra Singh, chief coach of the Indian women’s hockey team, said, “Our team has a good mix of youth and experience, and while we have had a few injury setbacks, I am confident that the team will do well. The match against Thailand will allow us to test our strength and also highlight areas to improve before facing Japan the next day. The girls are confident and eager for the competition.”
India have won the Women’s Asia Cup twice—first in 2004 and again in 2017. In the last edition of the tournament, India finished third.
IANS