On Friday, Hockey India announced the 20-member Indian Women’s hockey squad for the 20th Asian Games, which are scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19th to October 4th, 2026.
Salima Tete, the midfielder, will continue to lead the Indian side after taking the team to the FIH Nations Cup title in New Zealand last month. The squad is a blend of experienced players and youngsters who have performed impressively in the recent tournament.
Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne stated that the selected group offers a good balance of youth and experience, further adding that the players have consistently encouraged each other to improve in recent times.
Savita Punia, the veteran goalkeeper who was recently conferred the Padma Shri, has been named in the squad alongside Bichu Devi Kharibam, who will be India’s goalkeepers for the upcoming event.
The defensive unit consists of Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Ishika Chaudhary, and Jyoti. Alongside these three, Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas have retained their place after making their senior debut during the FIH Nations Cup.
In the midfield, skipper Salima Tete will be joined by Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Neha and Deepika Soreng.
The forward line will include Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur and Beauty Dungdung.
According to Marijne, the selected players have displayed the required form and fitness over the past few months and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to compete at the Asian Games.
India’s Squad:
Goalkeepers: Savita Punia, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Midfielders: Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (C), Neha, and Deepika Soreng
Defenders: Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi
Forwards: Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Beauty Dungdung
