Hockey India has announced a 20-member women’s team for the Asian Games 2026. Salima Tete has been given the command of the team. Recently the team won the FIH Nations Cup title. The coach has expressed confidence in the balance of young and experienced players in the team.
New Delhi [भारत]July 10 (ANI): Hockey India on Friday announced the 20-member Indian women’s hockey team for the upcoming 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026. These games are to be held in Japan from 19 September to 4 October. According to a press release from Hockey India, Salima Tete, who led the team to victory in the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand last month, will continue to captain the team.
“We have a group that has a good balance between juniors, experienced players and seniors who are constantly working to get the best out of each other,” said team head coach Sjoerd Marin while sharing his thoughts on the 20-member squad.
Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam, who recently received the Padma Shri award, have been named as the two goalkeepers in the team. The defense includes Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Ishika Chaudhary and Jyoti along with Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas, who made her senior team debut during the FIH Nations Cup and was rewarded for her good performances in the tournament, which India won undefeated.
Captain Salima will be joined in the midfield by Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Neha and Deepika Soreng. The forward line includes Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur and Beauty Dungdung.
Head coach Marin added, “This group of players has shown in recent months that they have the right form and fitness. We are confident that this team is ready for the challenge at the Asian Games.”
India’s 20-member team for Asian Games 2026
Goalkeeper: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defender: Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas
Midfielder: Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (captain), Neha, Deepika Soreng
Forward: Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Beauty Dungdung. (ANI)
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