As the Indian women’s hockey team prepares for a four-match tour in Argentina, chief coach Sjoerd Marijne expressed the team’s intention to experiment with different player combinations against the world No. 2 side. The upcoming matches scheduled on April 13, 14, 16, and 17 at the Club Ciudad de Buenos Aires will serve as crucial preparation for the team ahead of key events like the FIH Nations Cup, FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026, and the Asian Games later this year.
Marijne emphasized that the tour presents an opportunity for all 23 players to showcase their skills and for the team to explore various team setups to secure victories. The primary objective is to evaluate individual and collective performances against the formidable second-ranked team globally. Prior to the tour, the Indian team underwent training in Bengaluru before departing for Argentina, aiming to build on their recent success as runners-up at the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 in Hyderabad, Telangana.
During the tour, experienced forward Navneet Kaur will lead the team in the absence of Captain Salima Tete, with the return of veteran goalkeeper Savita expected to bolster the squad. Notably, Bichu Devi Kharibam will share goalkeeping duties with Savita following her impressive displays at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifier. The defensive lineup will feature players like Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Ishika Chaudhary, Manisha Chauhan, Jyoti, Udita, and Lalthantluangi, who will have the opportunity to showcase their abilities at the senior level.
With a focus on midfield strength, Neha will anchor a young midfield unit alongside Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke and Sunelita Toppo. Players like Sakshi Rana, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Ishika, and Deepika Soreng will aim to solidify their positions in the starting lineup through their performances. Leading the forward line, Navneet, who recently received the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year, will be supported by Lalremsiami, Baljeet Kaur, Deepika, Beauty Dungdung, Mumtaz Khan, and Annu, providing additional attacking options.
