Salima Tete to Captain India as 20-Member Squad Named for FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026
Hockey India has announced a 20-member Indian Women’s Hockey Team for the upcoming FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026, with Salima Tete set to lead the side at the global showpiece in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The World Cup will be held from August 15 to 30, 2026, with the Indian team entering the competition on the back of an encouraging run of form. Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne has described the selected squad as a well-balanced unit capable of taking on the world's leading teams.
India is currently preparing for the tournament at the national coaching camp in Bengaluru, where the focus has shifted towards finalising tactical plans and ensuring the players are physically ready for a demanding World Cup campaign.
The squad features an interesting combination of experienced internationals and younger players who have impressed during recent assignments. India will arrive at the World Cup with considerable confidence after winning the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand, where the team completed an unbeaten campaign.
Salima Tete will remain at the helm after successfully leading India during their Nations Cup triumph. The midfielder has developed into one of the most important players in the Indian set-up and will carry the responsibility of leading the team through a challenging group stage.
She will be supported by an experienced core that includes goalkeeper Savita, along with Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalremsiami and Navneet Kaur.
The presence of players accustomed to competing at the highest level will be crucial, particularly in a tournament where India will face strong opposition from the opening match. At the same time, the inclusion of several younger players provides Marijne with greater depth and tactical flexibility.
India has selected two established options in goal, with Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam making the 20-member squad. Savita's experience at major international competitions makes her an important figure within the group, while Bichu Devi has steadily established herself as another dependable option.
The defensive unit comprises Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti and Shilpi Dabas. The selection reflects India's attempts to build a defensive structure capable of dealing with different attacking styles. Against teams such as China and England, India's ability to remain compact without possession and transition quickly after winning the ball could prove decisive.
Midfield Remains Key to India's Plans
Captain Salima will anchor a midfield featuring Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Neha and Deepika Soreng. India's midfield has traditionally been central to their high-tempo approach, with quick ball circulation and aggressive pressing often forming the foundation of their best performances.
The combination of Salima's pace and ball-carrying ability with the experience of Nikki and Neha gives India several options in the middle of the pitch. Sunelita Toppo and Sakshi Rana add youthful energy to the group, while Deepika Soreng provides further depth as India looks to maintain intensity throughout the competition.
India has named a seven-member forward unit featuring Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur and Beauty Dungdung.
The attacking department will have a major role to play if India are to progress deep into the tournament. Lalremsiami and Navneet bring considerable international experience, while Beauty Dungdung's pace can provide India with a threat during quick transitions. The challenge will be to convert attacking possession and circle entries into goals consistently against the world's best defensive units.
Marijne expressed confidence in the selected group and highlighted the balance within the squad.
“We have chosen a well-balanced group of players who are ready for the big challenges we will face this summer. The team has worked hard in the lead-up to the tournament and we are confident in this group's abilities. We look forward to competing against the best teams in the world and showcasing our hockey on the biggest stage,” he said.
Tough Pool D Challenge Awaits India
India has been drawn in Pool D alongside China, South Africa and England, with all three pool-stage matches scheduled at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands. The campaign begins with a potentially crucial encounter against China on August 16.
India will then face South Africa on August 18 before concluding their pool commitments against England on August 20. The opening fixture against China could set the tone for India's tournament. England will also present a significant challenge, making the match against South Africa equally important in the race to progress from the pool.
With less than a month remaining before the World Cup, India's preparations have entered their decisive phase. The Nations Cup triumph has provided momentum, but the World Cup will represent a considerable step up in quality.
For Salima Tete and her team, the objective will now be to carry their recent confidence onto the biggest stage and establish themselves among the leading teams in world hockey.
India’s 20-Member Squad for FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 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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