Hockey India revealed a 20-member squad for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team set to compete in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Hyderabad, Telangana from March 8 to 14. The tournament will determine three qualifying spots for the FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium & Netherlands scheduled for August.
The participating teams have been divided into two pools. Pool A includes England, Korea, Italy, and Austria, while Pool B consists of hosts India, Scotland, Uruguay, and Wales. Salima Tete will lead the team as captain, supported by Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam in goalkeeping roles.
The defensive lineup features Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nikki Pradhan, Manisha Chauhan, Udita, and Ishika Chaudhary. In midfield, Salima Tete will be joined by Neha, Sunelita Toppo, Sakshi Rana, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, and Deepika Soreng. The attacking responsibilities will be shouldered by Navneet Kaur, Ishika, Lalremsiami, Beauty Dungdung, Baljeet Kaur, and Annu.
The newly appointed Chief Coach, Sjoerd Marijne, expressed eagerness for the upcoming tournament, emphasizing the team’s focus on fitness and tactics. India’s campaign will kick off against Uruguay on March 8, followed by matches against Scotland and Wales on March 9 and 11, respectively.
