Hockey India names twenty players for upcoming world tournament

Salima Tete will captain the Indian women's national team during their upcoming campaign in Belgium and the Netherlands. Hockey India officially declared a powerful twenty-player roster on Friday, preparing for the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup 2026. Scheduled to officially run from August 15 to August 30, this premier competition brings together top global contenders. Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne carefully selected a balanced mix of seasoned veterans and rising talents. These dedicated athletes recently secured an undefeated victory at the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand, boosting team morale significantly.

Squad Composition

Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam take charge of goalkeeping duties for this demanding European tour. Defensive responsibilities fall entirely upon Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, and Shilpi Dabas. Salima confidently commands the midfield alongside Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Neha, and two exceptional regional talents, Deepika Soreng and Sunelita Toppo. Odia rising star Sunelita Toppo continues to make her home state immensely proud, perfectly representing Odisha's deep-rooted field hockey culture on the global stage.

Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, and Beauty Dungdung form an incredibly dynamic forward line. Coach Marijne expressed absolute faith in this specific athletic group, praising their intense physical preparation at the Bengaluru national training camp. He firmly noted that competing at Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen against fierce opponents requires exactly this high level of mental readiness.

Upcoming International Pool Stage Match Schedule

India finds itself placed in Pool D, preparing to battle China, England, and South Africa. Tournament match action officially kicks off against China on August 16. Two short days later, the confident squad faces South Africa on August 18, followed by a highly challenging clash with England on August 20. Hockey fans across the globe eagerly await these crucial, high-stakes international matches.

With Inputs from Agency Threads and Image Courtesy: ANI