Hockey India has officially announced the 20-member Indian Women's Team for the upcoming FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup New Zealand 2025-26, which is scheduled to take place from June 15 to 21 in Auckland, New Zealand. The announcement was made on Tuesday, marking an important step in the team's preparations for a busy international calendar.
Leadership and Goalkeeping
Salima Tete will continue to captain the side, bringing her leadership and midfield prowess to the forefront. The goalkeeping duties will be handled by the experienced duo of Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam, providing a reliable last line of defense.
Defensive Line
The defensive unit boasts considerable international experience with Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Ishika Chaudhary, Nikki Pradhan, and Jyoti forming the core. They are joined by Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas, both of whom earned their maiden senior call-ups during the recently concluded tour of Australia and will look to build on that exposure.
Midfield and Attack
The midfield will be marshaled by Salima Tete, supported by Neha, Sunelita Toppo, and Sakshi Rana. Deepika Soreng, who impressed during the friendly series in Australia, also adds depth. In attack, Navneet Kaur will lead the forward line, expected to continue her fine goal-scoring form. She will be supported by Deepika, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Annu, and Ishika, alongside experienced attacking midfielders Lalremsiami and Sonam, offering a blend of pace, creativity, and clinical finishing.
Recent Form and Preparation
The Indian squad enters the Nations Cup following a productive tour of Australia, where they played a four-match friendly series in Perth. India held the hosts to a 2-2 draw in the series, providing invaluable experience and allowing Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne to test the squad's depth and resilience.
Tournament Pool and Schedule
India have been placed in Pool A alongside Japan, the United States, and Uruguay. Pool B comprises hosts New Zealand, Chile, Korea, and France. India will open their campaign against the United States on June 15 at 16:15 IST, followed by a match against Japan on June 16 at 18:30 IST, and conclude the pool stage against Uruguay on June 18 at 16:15 IST. The semi-finals are scheduled for June 20, with the final on June 21.
Coach's Perspective
Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne emphasized the importance of the tournament, stating, "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."
Regarding squad selection, Marijne added, "We have named a squad that has the right balance of experience and hunger. Players like Savita, Sushila, Nikki, and Navneet have been in big tournaments before and know what it takes to perform under pressure. At the same time, we have players who are still developing at the highest level, and a tournament like this provides the environment where that growth happens. I am looking forward to seeing how this group comes together in Auckland."
Full Squad
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
