A 20-member squad of the Indian women’s team has been announced by Hockey India for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. The tournament is set to be held in Hyderabad from March 8 to 14. Midfielder Salima Tete will lead the side as captain. Meanwhile, veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia has decided to walkout from the event citing personal reasons.
With Savita going absent, Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam will take the goalkeeping duties. The defence side includes names like Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nikki Pradhan, Manisha Chauhan, Udita and Ishika Chaudhary.
The midfield squad includes skipper Tete, Neha, Sunelita Toppo, Sakshi Rana, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal and Deepika Soreng. The forward spot includes players Navneet Kaur, Ishika, Lalremsiami, Beauty Dungdung, Baljeet Kaur and Annu.
Only three qualification spots are available for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and the Netherlands 2026. India has been put in Pool B alongside Scotland, Uruguay and Wales. Meanwhile, Pool A comprises teams England, Korea, Italy and Austria.
Marijne on team preparation
Indian women’s hockey team’s newly appointed head coach Sjoerd Marijne says the team is working on fitness and tactical performance for the event. Ahead of the tournament they will be playing two practice matches in Hyderabad, serving a big part of their preparation.
India will start their campaign in the tournament against Uruguay scheduled on March 8. The fixture then follows with matches against Scotland on March 9 and later with Wales on March 11.
All matches of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers will be broadcast live on Star Sports Khel and streaming will be done on JioHotstar.
India Women’s Squad for Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Bansari Solanki, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nikki Pradhan, Manisha Chauhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary
Midfielders: Salima Tete, Neha, Sunelita Toppo, Sakshi Rana, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Deepika Soreng
Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Ishika, Lalremsiami, Beauty Dungdung, Baljeet Kaur, Annu
