Indian Women's Hockey Team Announced for FIH World Cup 2026 Qualifiers

Hockey India has officially announced the 20-member squad for the Indian Women's Hockey Team ahead of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Hyderabad. The tournament will feature teams like England, Scotland, and Korea, competing for three qualification spots. Led by captain Salima Tete, the team is gearing up for their opening match against Uruguay on March 8. With a focus on fitness and tactics, the newly appointed coach Sjoerd Marijne is optimistic about the team's performance. Fans can watch the matches live on Star Sports Khel and JioHotstar.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 1, 2026, 15:10 IST

Announcement of the Women's Hockey Team

On Sunday, Hockey India revealed the 20-member squad for the Indian Women's Hockey Team, set to compete in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Hyderabad, Telangana, from March 8 to 14, 2026.

Tournament Structure and Participating Teams

The tournament will feature host nation India alongside England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales, and Austria, all vying for three spots in the FIH Hockey World Cup scheduled for Belgium and the Netherlands in August. The teams are organized into two pools: Pool A includes England, Korea, Italy, and Austria, while Pool B consists of India, Scotland, Uruguay, and Wales.

Team Composition

Salima Tete, an experienced midfielder, will lead the team as captain, ensuring strong leadership. The goalkeeping duties will be shared by Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam. The defensive lineup features Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nikki Pradhan, Manisha Chauhan, Udita, and Ishika Chaudhary. The midfield will include Captain Salima Tete, Neha, Sunelita Toppo, Sakshi Rana, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, and Deepika Soreng. The forward line, known for its scoring ability, comprises Navneet Kaur, Ishika, Lalremsiami, Beauty Dungdung, Baljeet Kaur, and Annu.

Insights from the Coach

Sjoerd Marijne, the newly appointed Chief Coach of the Indian Women's Hockey Team, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament, stating, "We are eager for our first tournament together. Our focus has been on fitness and tactics to ensure everyone understands their roles. We will conduct two practice matches in Hyderabad to prepare thoroughly for the competition ahead."

India's Initial Matches

India will kick off their tournament against Uruguay on March 8, followed by matches against Scotland and Wales on March 9 and 11, respectively.

Complete Squad for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers

Goalkeepers: 1. Bansari Solanki 2. Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: 3. Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam 4. Nikki Pradhan 5. Manisha Chauhan 6. Udita 7. Ishika Chaudhary
Midfielders: 8. Neha 9. Salima Tete 10. Sunelita Toppo 11. Sakshi Rana 12. Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke 13. Rutaja Dadaso Pisal 14. Deepika Soreng
Forwards: 15. Navneet Kaur 16. Ishika 17. Lalremsiami 18. Beauty Dungdung 19. Baljeet Kaur 20. Annu

Live Streaming Information

Fans can catch the live streaming of the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad on Star Sports Khel and JioHotstar.