India Name 20-Member Women's Hockey Squad for Asian Games 2026; Salima Tete to Lead Charge in Japan
Hockey India has announced a 20-member Indian Women's Hockey Team for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, with midfielder Salima Tete retaining the captaincy following the team's impressive performances in recent months.
The continental showpiece, scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 4 in Japan, will be one of India's biggest assignments of the year. The tournament also carries added significance, as the gold medal-winning team will earn direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, making every match crucial.
Fresh from winning the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand with an unbeaten campaign, India heads into the Asian Games with confidence and a squad that blends experienced campaigners with emerging young talent.
Salima Tete will once again lead the Indian side after successfully captaining the team to the FIH Nations Cup title last month. The dynamic midfielder has become one of the team's most influential players, known for her tireless work rate, pace, and ability to control the tempo of matches. Her leadership during the Nations Cup demonstrated her growing maturity as captain, and Hockey India has entrusted her to guide the team in one of the most important tournaments of the Olympic cycle.
With several experienced players around her, Salima will be expected to lead both on and off the field as India targets another successful campaign in Asia.
Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne emphasised that the selected squad has been built around balance, combining senior players with exciting youngsters who have impressed during recent international competitions. "We have a group in which we have a nice balance between juniors, experienced players and seniors who are constantly working to get the best out of each other," Marijne said while explaining the squad selection.
The goalkeeping department will be led by veteran Savita, who recently received the Padma Shri for her outstanding contribution to Indian hockey. Widely regarded as one of the world's finest goalkeepers, Savita brings invaluable experience to the squad.
She will be supported by Bichu Devi Kharibam, who continues to establish herself as a reliable option between the posts.
India's defensive unit includes experienced defender Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam alongside Ishika Chaudhary and Jyoti. Among the notable selections are Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas, who made their senior international debuts during the FIH Nations Cup. Both defenders impressed throughout India's unbeaten title-winning campaign and have now been rewarded with selection for the Asian Games.
Their inclusion reflects the team's growing depth in defence and demonstrates the coaching staff's willingness to back young players who perform on the international stage.
A solid defensive structure will be crucial if India hopes to compete against traditional Asian powerhouses such as China, Japan, and Korea.
India's midfield remains one of the strongest areas of the squad. Captain Salima Tete will be joined by Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Neha, and Deepika Soreng. The combination offers a healthy mix of experience, energy, and tactical flexibility. Nikki Pradhan provides composure and leadership, while younger midfielders have shown encouraging progress over the past year.
The midfield will play a key role in controlling possession, initiating attacks, and providing defensive support throughout the tournament.
India has selected a versatile forward line featuring Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, and Beauty Dungdung. The attacking group combines pace, creativity, and finishing ability, giving the coaching staff multiple tactical options depending on the opposition. Lalremsiami and Navneet Kaur bring valuable international experience, while younger forwards like Beauty Dungdung continue to develop into exciting attacking prospects.
India's ability to convert scoring opportunities consistently will be a decisive factor during the Asian Games, where tight knockout matches often hinge on a single goal.
Marijne Confident Ahead of Asian Games
Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne believes the selected group has earned its place through consistent performances and strong physical preparation.
"This group of players has shown that they have the right form and fitness in recent months. We are confident that this team is ready for the challenge at the Asian Games," he said.
The Dutch coach has overseen steady progress since returning to lead the Indian women's team, with the Nations Cup triumph providing evidence that the squad is moving in the right direction. The Asian Games will now present an opportunity to translate that momentum into continental success.
The Asian Games remains one of the most prestigious events on the international hockey calendar, with Asia's strongest teams competing for continental supremacy and a coveted Olympic qualification berth.
India has consistently been among the top teams in Asia, but the competition is expected to be fierce, with defending champions China, hosts Japan, Korea, and other emerging nations all capable of challenging for medals. With an experienced core, exciting young talent, and renewed confidence following their Nations Cup triumph, India will head to Aichi-Nagoya believing they have the squad capable of competing for the gold medal.
As preparations intensify over the coming weeks, Salima Tete and her team will carry the hopes of Indian hockey into Japan, aiming to reclaim the Asian Games title and secure a direct ticket to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
India's 20-member squad for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026
Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas
Midfielders: Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (Captain), Neha, Deepika Soreng
Forwards: Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Beauty Dungdung
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