Sports

IIE DIGITAL: Hockey India has announced a 20-member squad for the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026, with midfielder Salima Tete appointed as the captain. Head coach Sjoerd Marijne has described the squad as a well-balanced combination of experienced players and emerging talents ready to face the biggest challenge of the summer.

The prestigious tournament will be jointly hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to 30, 2026. The Indian team, currently training at the national camp in Bengaluru, has been selected after impressive performances in recent international competitions, especially the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand, where India remained unbeaten and secured the championship title.

The squad includes experienced goalkeeper Savita along with Bichu Devi Kharibam as the two custodians. The defensive unit features Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti and Shilpi Dabas.

Captain Salima Tete will lead the midfield alongside Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Neha and Deepika Soreng. The forward line includes star players such as Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur and Beauty Dungdung.

Speaking about the squad, coach Sjoerd Marijne expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and ability to compete at the highest level. He said the selected players have worked hard ahead of the tournament and the team is ready to showcase Indian hockey against the world’s best teams.

India has been placed in Pool D along with China, England and South Africa. The team will play all its group-stage matches at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands.

India will begin its World Cup campaign against China on August 16, followed by matches against South Africa on August 18 and England on August 20.

With a strong mix of experience, youth and recent success behind them, the Indian women’s hockey team will look to make a memorable impact at the 2026 World Cup.