Asian Games 2026: India Women Begin Hockey Campaign Against Uzbekistan, Carry World Cup Momentum

The Indian women’s hockey team begins its Asian Games 2026 campaign on Sunday, September 20, when it takes on Uzbekistan at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara, Japan.

The match, scheduled for 7:30 AM IST, marks the beginning of another important chapter for a team that arrives in Japan with renewed confidence following its impressive run at the 2026 FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup. India finished fifth at the World Cup, defeating Germany 3-1 in the fifth-place classification match. It was the team’s best finish at the tournament since the inaugural 1974 edition, when India finished fourth. 

That performance has given the Indian side a strong platform heading into the Asian Games, where the objective is significantly bigger: a gold medal would also bring direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Uzbekistan stand between India and a winning start

India and Uzbekistan have never previously faced each other in senior women’s international hockey, making Sunday's encounter a first in their head-to-head history. On recent form, India enter the contest with considerably more momentum. Their World Cup campaign included a 3-1 win over Germany, a goalless draw against Australia and a 0-0 draw with England. India also defeated South Africa 6-1 during the tournament.

The results reflected a side that combined defensive discipline with the ability to produce decisive attacking moments when opportunities arrived.

Uzbekistan, meanwhile, come into the Asian Games after competing in the qualification tournament. Their recent results include a 1-1 draw against Kazakhstan before losing the shootout 2-0, a 6-1 win over Sri Lanka and a 3-3 draw against Chinese Taipei. They also lost 3-4 to Bangladesh and suffered a 4-0 defeat against Indonesia at the Central Asia Championship.

Salima Tete leads a balanced Indian squad

India will be led by Salima Tete, who continues as captain after guiding the team through a period of significant development.

Chief coach Sjoerd Marijne has assembled a squad that blends experienced campaigners with emerging players. Hockey India has highlighted the balance between juniors, senior players and established international performers as one of the team's strengths. The squad includes experienced goalkeeper Savita alongside Bichu Devi Kharibam. In defence, India have Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti, Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas.

The midfield features captain Salima alongside Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Neha and Deepika Soreng. India's attacking options include Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur and Beauty Dungdung. Lalremsiami will be one of the experienced attacking figures to watch. She arrives after another productive World Cup campaign and has been an important part of India's rise on the international stage. (Reuters)

India won the bronze medal at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, defeating Japan 2-1 in the third-place match. The team will now attempt to go a step further in Aichi-Nagoya. The women's hockey tournament has added importance because of its connection to the 2028 Olympic qualification pathway. The Asian Games champions will qualify directly for Los Angeles, while other leading teams will have an opportunity to progress through the Olympic qualification process.

For India, the opening match offers an opportunity to establish momentum before the more demanding pool fixtures arrive.

India have been drawn in Pool B alongside Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan and Singapore. After Uzbekistan, India face Indonesia on September 21, Thailand on September 23, hosts Japan on September 25 and Singapore on September 27.  The meeting with Japan could prove particularly significant in determining India's position in the pool, while the later knockout stages will bring another level of pressure. 

India's immediate task, however, is clear. After their breakthrough World Cup showing, the team now needs to translate that confidence into results at the Asian Games. Against an Uzbekistan side they have never faced before, India will look to combine the defensive organisation that served them well at the World Cup with greater attacking efficiency.

The journey towards Asian Games gold begins on Sunday. And with an Olympic berth waiting for the eventual champions, India's campaign carries significance well beyond the medal podium.