No surprise as India are banking on proven names for the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup

India’s squad for the upcoming FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup did not bring any major surprises as the selectors retained the same group of 20 players who will also represent the country at the Asian Games later this year. The team, which was unveiled on Friday, will once again be managed by Salim Tete.

Head coach Sjoerd Marijne expressed confidence in the group selected for the tournament. He called it a balanced mix of experience and youth ahead of the World Cup, which will be held in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to 30.

“We have selected a well-balanced group of players who are ready for the big challenges we will face this summer. The team has worked hard in preparation for the tournament and we are confident in the abilities of this group,” Marjne said in a press release issued by Hockey India.

The players are currently preparing for the national training camp in Bengaluru after enjoying a successful run in recent international competitions. India head into the tournament after a dominant FIH Nations Cup campaign in New Zealand, where they went unbeaten en route to the title and secured promotion back to the FIH Pro League.

“We are looking forward to competing with the best teams in the world and showcasing our hockey on the biggest stage,” added Marijne.

The goalkeeper duties will be shared by veteran Savita a Bichu Devi Kharibam. The defensive line includes Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti and Shilpi Dabas.

Captain Salima will line up in midfield alongside Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Neha and Deepika Soreng, while the attacking unit consists of Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur and Beauty Dungdung.

India have been placed in Group D for the World Cupwhere they will face China, England and South Africa. All of their group stage matches will be played at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands. They begin their campaign against China on August 16 before taking on South Africa on August 18 and England on August 20.

INDIA SQUAD FOR WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam

Defenders: Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas

Midfielders: Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (c), Neha, Deepika Soreng

Forwards: Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Beauty Dungdung

– The end

Published on:

17 Jul 2026 15:59 IST