India’s women’s hockey team will head to Perth later this month with a refreshed squad and renewed momentum as Hockey India announced a 22-member team for the upcoming Tour of Australia 2026, scheduled from May 26 to 30.
The four-match series at the Perth Hockey Stadium is expected to play a crucial role in India’s preparations for the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26, which will be held in Auckland, New Zealand, from June 15 to 21. The tournament carries added significance as the winner will earn promotion to the elite FIH Pro League for the following season.
Midfield star Salima Tete has been named captain for the Australia tour as India continues to build a squad blending experienced campaigners with emerging young talent. The team management has retained the core of senior players while also rewarding promising performers with maiden national team call-ups.
India enters the tour after an encouraging performance in Argentina earlier this year, where the side registered two wins in a four-match series against quality opposition. The results provided confidence to a team looking to regain consistency at the international level following a mixed Olympic cycle.
Veteran goalkeeper Savita will once again play a key role in the squad alongside Bichu Devi Kharibam, giving India reliable options between the posts. Savita remains one of the most experienced players in Indian women’s hockey and was recently nominated for the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year award after consistent performances on the international stage.
The defensive unit includes experienced names such as Nikki Pradhan and Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, both of whom bring leadership and composure to the backline. Jyoti, Ishika Chaudhary, and Lalthantluangi are also part of the defence setup, while Shilpi Dabas has earned her maiden senior team call-up following impressive performances at the domestic and junior levels.
Lalthantluangi has also been rewarded with her first senior national team selection, highlighting Hockey India’s continued focus on nurturing young talent ahead of major international tournaments over the next few years.
In midfield, captain Salima Tete will anchor the unit alongside experienced players like Neha and Lalremsiami. Known for her speed, energy, and work rate, Salima has become one of India’s most influential midfielders in recent seasons and played a major role during the team’s strong performances at the Asian Games and FIH competitions.
Young midfielders Sakshi Rana and Sunelita Toppo have retained their spots after impressive outings earlier this year, while Deepika Soreng and Sonam will add fresh energy to the squad. Sonam is yet to make her senior international debut and could receive her first opportunity during the Australia tour.
India’s forward line will be led by vice-captain Navneet Kaur, who has consistently delivered goals in important matches for the national side. She will be supported by Baljeet Kaur, Deepika, Annu, Ishika, Hina Bano, and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal in attack.
The team management believes the tour will provide younger players with valuable exposure against a strong Australian side known for its aggressive and fast-paced style of play.
“We have picked a squad with a good balance of experienced and young players, some of whom will get their first minutes at the international level. It’s important to keep developing players, and the best way to do that is under pressure in international matches. These players now have the chance to show their best, and I am looking forward to seeing their performances,” coach Sjoerd Marijne said.
Marijne also stressed the importance of carrying forward the momentum from the Argentina series into the Nations Cup preparations.
“This tour is to prepare for the upcoming Nations Cup. I want to see the level of performance we saw in our last two matches in Argentina and build consistency in our performances. That is the level we need to reach, and we have to continue improving so we can perform even better,” he added.
Australia has traditionally been one of the toughest opponents in women’s hockey, particularly on home turf. For India, the upcoming series offers an important opportunity to test combinations, build confidence, and fine-tune preparations ahead of a crucial international season.
