Hyderabad, March 1 Veteran goalkeeper and former captain Savita Punia has opted out of the Women's World Cup Qualifiers due to personal reasons. Hockey India announced on Sunday that a 20-member squad, to be led by midfielder Salima Tete, will represent the country.
The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers will be held in Hyderabad from March 8 to 14.
Hosts India, along with England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales, and Austria, will compete for three qualification spots at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026, which will be held in August.
The teams are divided into two pools: Pool A consists of England, Korea, Italy, and Austria, while Pool B consists of the hosts, India, Scotland, Uruguay, and Wales.
According to sources, Savita has taken a break due to family reasons.
"Savita was not part of the national camp before the tournament as she opted out due to family reasons. That's why there was no need to consider her," a source told
