Hockey India Unveils 20-Player Squad for FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026, Salima Tete Named Captain

New Delhi: Hockey India on Friday announced a 20-member Indian women’s team for the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026, with Salima Tete entrusted with the captaincy for the prestigious global tournament. Co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands, the World Cup will be played from August 15 to 30.

The squad has been finalised after an intensive national training camp in Bengaluru and blends experienced internationals with emerging talent. The selection follows India‘s impressive title-winning campaign at the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand, where the team remained unbeaten throughout the competition.

Head coach Sjoerd Marijne expressed confidence in the selected group, stating that the squad has the right balance of experience and youth. He said the players have trained hard over the past few weeks and are prepared to challenge the world’s strongest teams on hockey’s biggest stage.

Veteran Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam have been selected as the team’s goalkeepers. The defensive line includes Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, and Shilpi Dabas.

The midfield will be led by captain Salima Tete, alongside Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Neha, and Deepika Soreng. The attack features Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, and Beauty Dungdung.

India has been placed in Pool D along with China, England, and South Africa. The team will play all its group-stage fixtures at Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands. India will open its campaign against China on August 16, followed by matches against South Africa on August 18 and England on August 20.