New Delhi, Aug. 31 -- For the Indian women's hockey team, finishing fifth at the World Cup marks their best result in 52 years. Yet, beyond the pride of the campaign, a hunger lingers. For veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia, the campaign was a testament to how far the team has evolved, shifting from a mindset of survival. "We came here thinking that we have to do something in the World Cup, and that meant our team was capable enough to finish on the podium," Savita told HT from Amsterdam. "There was a time when we used to focus on conceding the least amount of goals against the top teams. Now, we play with the same attacking mindset with Netherlands but with more discipline in defence." Fielding a squad with 11 World Cup debutants meant managing intense pressure, starting against Paris Olympics silver medallists China. "I told my team I have over 300 matches, and I am also nervous today. I also feel pressure," said the former India skipper. "But as soon as the whistle is blown, it will not come to your mind. We created an atmosphere where you have to open up." That vital 2-2 draw against China set the tone, but the foundation for their belief was laid during the successful Nations Cup run and a rigorous practice series against Argentina in the build-up. The past few years have seen turbulence in the national team with churn in coaching from Janneke Schopman to Harendra Singh before Sjoerd Marijne returned in January. Dutch drag-flick legend Taeke Taekema helped sharpen the penalty corner routines. His compatriot and 2024 Paris Olympics champion Pirmin Blaak has been refining goalkeeping and match-awareness. The returning Wayne Lombard has raised the team's physical conditioning. The focus now shifts to the September-October Asian Games where victory will seal qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The World Cup result should serve as fuel, not lead to complacency in the Games, Savita says. "Getting motivation is a good thing, but being overconfident is just as bad," she said, emphasising that India should be wary of Japan, South Korea and Malaysia too, and not just defending champions China. "For us, every match is a duel. We want to take every match as seriously as possible and qualify for LA."...