Members of the Indian women’s hockey team’s drag-flicking unit have credited a specialised training camp led by Dutch hockey legend Taeke Taekema for their strong penalty-corner performance during the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26, which concluded in New Zealand with India lifting the title.

The team’s preparations included an intensive camp during their preparatory tour of Australia in May, followed by continued training sessions in New Zealand ahead of the tournament. The programme was conducted under the guidance of Taeke Taekema, one of the most accomplished drag-flickers in modern hockey history, and supported by chief coach Sjoerd Marijne. The sessions focused on refining technical execution, decision-making, and situational awareness under pressure.

India’s penalty-corner efficiency emerged as a decisive factor in their campaign, with the team scoring 13 goals from set pieces across the tournament. Forward Deepika stood out as one of the leading performers, finishing as the joint top-scorer with six goals, all of which came from penalty corners, highlighting the impact of the specialised training work.

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Deepika credited the camp for adding depth and precision to her technique, noting that the sessions went beyond on-field drills to include video analysis of opposition defensive setups and goalkeeper positioning. She said the training helped her remain composed in high-pressure situations and reinforced the importance of sticking to process and routines even when outcomes fluctuate during matches.

Young drag-flicker Lalthantluangi also highlighted the technical foundation gained from the programme, particularly in improving coordination, balance, and execution of the drag flick. She described the learning process as gradual and discipline-driven, involving repeated analysis of footwork and constant practice, which helped her build patience and consistency in her game.

Meanwhile, Annu said the specialised camp significantly boosted her confidence heading into a major tournament like the Nations Cup. She noted that training under an experienced figure like Taekema helped her trust her technique and remain calm during crucial moments. She added that winning the title made the intense preparation and focused training sessions feel fully worthwhile.

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