Salima Tete to Lead India at FIH Women's Nations Cup 2026

Hockey India has announced a 20-member Indian Women's Hockey Team for the upcoming FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup 2025-26, with captain Salima Tete set to lead the side in Auckland, New Zealand from June 15 to 21.

The tournament comes at a crucial stage in India's international calendar as the team continues its preparations for the FIH Women's World Cup and the 2026 Asian Games. Following encouraging performances on recent overseas tours, including a hard-fought series against Australia, the Indian squad will look to carry that momentum into one of the most important tournaments of the year.

Placed in Pool A alongside Japan, the United States and Uruguay, India will aim to secure a place in the knockout rounds and continue its progress under head coach Sjoerd Marijne.

The selected squad reflects a mix of experienced internationals and emerging talent, a combination that has become a hallmark of India's recent development strategy. Salima Tete retains the captaincy after leading the side through a busy international season. One of India's most influential midfielders, Salima's leadership and energy will once again be central to the team's ambitions.

In goal, India will rely on the experienced duo of Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam. Savita remains one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in international hockey and will bring invaluable leadership to a relatively young squad.

The defensive unit features several established names, including Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nikki Pradhan and Jyoti, all of whom possess extensive international experience. Also included are Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas, who received their maiden senior call-ups during the recent Australia tour. Both players impressed during that series and have been rewarded with another opportunity to establish themselves at the international level.

India's midfield continues to be one of its strongest departments. Alongside captain Salima, the squad includes Neha, Sunelita Toppo and Sakshi Rana, players who have become regular fixtures in the national setup. Deepika Soreng, who enjoyed a productive tour of Australia, has also retained her place in the squad. Her ability to contribute in both attack and midfield provides valuable flexibility.

Experienced attackers Sonam and Lalremsiami have also been listed among the midfield group, further strengthening India's ability to transition quickly between defence and attack. The midfield's performance could prove crucial in determining India's success in Auckland, particularly against physically strong opponents such as the United States and Japan.

India's forward line will once again revolve around Navneet Kaur, who has been among the team's most consistent attacking performers in recent international competitions. Her goalscoring form during recent tours has been one of the positives for the team, and she will be expected to lead the offensive charge at the Nations Cup.

Supporting Navneet will be Deepika, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Annu and Ishika. The forward group offers a blend of pace, creativity and finishing ability, qualities that India will need against some well-organised defensive units in the tournament. With several players capable of scoring goals, the coaching staff will be encouraged by the attacking options available.

India heads to New Zealand after a productive four-match series against Australia in Perth. The tour served as an important testing ground for Marijne and his coaching staff, allowing them to evaluate combinations and assess players in competitive conditions. Despite facing one of the world's strongest teams, India emerged with a respectable 2-2 series draw.

The performances demonstrated the team's resilience and highlighted improvements in both structure and attacking play. Several younger players gained valuable experience, while senior members of the squad showed encouraging form ahead of the Nations Cup. The lessons learned in Australia are expected to play an important role in India's preparations for Auckland.

For head coach Sjoerd Marijne, the Nations Cup represents more than just another international tournament. The Dutch coach views the competition as an important step in India's long-term development toward the World Cup and Asian Games.

"The Nations Cup is an important tournament for us. We want to go there and play with ambition to set a standard for ourselves that we can build on," Marijne said after the squad announcement.

He also emphasized the value of recent tours to Argentina and Australia in helping the team prepare for upcoming challenges.

Marijne believes the selected group possesses the right balance between experienced campaigners and younger players eager to prove themselves on the international stage.

https://www.indiasportshub.com/articles/india-beat-korea-to-go-top-of-u18-women-s-asia-cup-pool

India's campaign begins against the United States on June 15 before matches against Japan and Uruguay complete the Pool A schedule. While India will enter the tournament with confidence, the group presents several challenges. Japan remains one of Asia's most disciplined teams, while the United States possesses the physicality and pace to trouble any opponent.

Uruguay may be the lowest-ranked side in the group, but they have consistently improved in recent years and cannot be underestimated. The top teams from the pool will progress to the semifinals scheduled for June 20, with the final taking place on June 21. For India, a strong performance in Auckland would not only provide valuable ranking points but also reinforce the belief that the team is moving in the right direction ahead of a crucial phase in the international hockey calendar.

With Salima Tete leading a balanced squad featuring experienced stars and promising newcomers, India will head to New Zealand aiming to make a statement on the international stage.