With the countdown to a crucial international assignment underway, Hockey India has unveiled a 20-member squad for the upcoming FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup New Zealand 2025-26. The tournament, scheduled from June 15 to 21 in Auckland, presents an important opportunity for the Indian women’s team to continue its upward trajectory under head coach Sjoerd Marijne and compete for a place among the world’s elite hockey nations.
Experienced midfielder Salima Tete has retained the captaincy, reflecting the faith the team management continues to place in her leadership. Since taking over the role, Salima has emerged as one of the key figures in India’s rebuilding process, helping guide a squad that blends experienced internationals with promising young talent. The tournament will be another significant test for the Indian side as it prepares for bigger challenges in the lead-up to future global competitions.
India enters the competition after a productive period of international exposure. The team recently completed tours of Argentina and Australia, where players were able to gain valuable match experience against strong opposition. The four-match friendly series in Perth, in particular, allowed the coaching staff to assess combinations, provide opportunities to emerging players, and fine-tune strategies ahead of the Nations Cup.
The goalkeeping department will once again be anchored by veteran Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam. Savita remains one of India’s most accomplished players and continues to be a calming presence in high-pressure situations. Their experience is expected to play a crucial role during a tournament where every match could prove decisive.
India’s defensive line combines experience and youth. Senior players such as Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nikki Pradhan, Jyoti, and Ishika Chaudhary bring international exposure and stability to the backline. Young defenders Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas have also earned places in the squad after making positive impressions during the recent Australia tour, highlighting Hockey India’s continued emphasis on developing future talent.
The midfield will revolve around captain Salima, whose pace, ball control, and ability to dictate the tempo of matches have made her one of India’s most influential players. She will be supported by Neha, Sunelita Toppo, Sakshi Rana, and Deepika Soreng, creating a versatile midfield unit capable of contributing at both ends of the field.
In attack, India will rely on a mix of proven performers and emerging stars. Players such as Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Deepika, Annu, Ishika, Sonam, and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal provide the team with pace, creativity, and finishing ability. Several of these forwards have delivered important goals in recent international competitions and will be expected to shoulder the scoring responsibility in Auckland. The Nations Cup carries added significance because it serves as a pathway for teams aspiring to compete at the highest level of international hockey.
The tournament features eight nations divided into two pools. India has been drawn in Pool A alongside Japan, the United States, and Uruguay. Pool B consists of host nation New Zealand, Chile, Korea, and France. The competition is expected to be fiercely contested, with every participating nation aiming to strengthen its international standing.
India’s campaign will begin against the United States on June 15 before taking on Japan and Uruguay in the remaining pool-stage matches. A strong start could prove crucial in determining the team’s route through the knockout stages.
Since returning as head coach earlier this year, Sjoerd Marijne has focused on building consistency and confidence within the squad. The Dutch coach previously guided India to its historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics and is once again tasked with helping the team compete with the world’s best.
Speaking about the upcoming tournament, Marijne stressed the importance of maintaining the progress shown during recent tours. “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. We have built on those aspects in the Argentina and Australia tours, which gave us good preparation as a team. “Now it is about taking the next step and showing that level consistently across a full tournament. The squad is motivated and ready for the challenge.”
With an experienced core, talented youngsters, and a leadership group determined to push Indian hockey forward, the team heads to Auckland with genuine belief. The Nations Cup offers not only the chance to secure silverware but also an opportunity to demonstrate that India remains a rising force in women’s hockey on the international stage.
India squad for FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26:
Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Ishika Chaudhary, Lalthantluangi, Shilpi Dabas, Jyoti, Nikki Pradhan
Midfielders: Salima Tete (C), Neha, Sunelita Toppo, Sakshi Rana, Deepika Soreng, Sonam, Lalremsiami
Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Ishika, Annu
