Hyderabad, March 1 – Hockey India announced a 20-member Indian Women's Hockey Team squad for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, scheduled to be held in Hyderabad, Telangana, from March 8 to 14.
The host nations, India, England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales, and Austria, will compete for three qualification spots at the FIH Hockey World Cup, which will be held in Belgium and the Netherlands in August.
The teams are divided into two pools: Pool A consists of England, Korea, Italy, and Austria, while Pool B consists of the host nation, India, Scotland, Uruguay, and Wales.
Experienced midfielder Salima Tete will continue to captain the team, providing leadership and stability in the center. The squad also includes Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam, who will share goalkeeping responsibilities.
The defensive unit consists of Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nikki Pradhan, Manisha Chauhan, Udita, and Ishika Chaudhary, while Salima Tete, Neha, Sunelita Toppo, Sakshi Rana, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, and Deepika Soreng will play in midfield.
The attacking players include Navneet Kaur, Ishika, Lalremsiami, Beauty Dungdung, Baljeet Kaur, and Annu, who will be responsible for scoring goals.
Recently appointed Chief Coach of the Indian Women's Hockey Team, Sjoerd Marijne, shared his thoughts ahead of the crucial tournament and said, "We are really looking forward to our first tournament together. We have been working on fitness and tactics, so everyone understands their tasks and role in the team. We will play two practice matches in Hyderabad to be fully prepared for the upcoming matches."
India will begin their campaign against Uruguay on March 8, followed by matches against Scotland and Wales on March 9 and 11, respectively.
Squad: Goalkeepers: Bansari Solanki, Bichu Devi Kharibam.
Defenders: Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nikki Pradhan, Manisha Chauhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary.
Midfielders: Neha, Salima Tete, Sunelita Toppo, Sakshi Rana, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Deepika Soreng.
Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Ishika, Lalremsiami, Beauty Dungdung, Baljeet Kaur, Annu.
