Overview
- Marijne told reporters on Friday that his short pre‑World Cup absence did not break preparation because he monitored training, attended meetings and kept close contact with players.
- India produced a resilient World Cup campaign that ended in a fifth‑place finish with one defeat in six matches, recording two wins and three draws.
- The coach credited a rebuilt team culture that emphasised discipline and a shift from individual focus to collective responsibility for improved performance.
- Seasoned players such as Navneet Kaur, Neha Goyal and Savita Punia provided on‑field leadership that helped integrate 11 World Cup debutants into key roles.
- The squad will take a week to recover in Bengaluru before an intensive camp in Japan ahead of the Asian Games opener on September 20, a tournament that awards a direct Olympic berth for 2028 and relies on domestic development pathways like the HIL.