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

Hockey India has officially announced the 20-member squad for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, with Salima Tete as captain. The tournament will be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to 30. The team, currently training in Bengaluru, features a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers who recently excelled at the FIH Nations Cup. The squad includes two goalkeepers, a solid defense, a dynamic midfield, and a strong forward line. Coach Sjoerd Marijne expressed confidence in the team's readiness for the challenges ahead. India will compete in Pool D against China, England, and South Africa, starting their campaign on August 16.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 17, 2026, 12:33 IST

Announcement of the Squad

On Friday, Hockey India revealed the 20-member squad for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, set to take place in Belgium and the Netherlands. Salima Tete has been appointed as the captain of this well-rounded team, as described by Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne.

Tournament Details

The prestigious tournament will be co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to August 30, as per the official announcement.

Training and Team Composition

Currently, the squad is undergoing training at a national camp in Bengaluru. It includes a blend of seasoned players and emerging talents who have shown remarkable performance in recent international competitions, particularly at the FIH Nations Cup held in New Zealand last month, where the team remained unbeaten and secured the trophy.

Squad Breakdown

The goalkeeping department features Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam. The defense line consists of Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, and Shilpi Dabas. In the midfield, Captain Salima is supported by Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Neha, and Deepika Soreng. The forward line includes Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, and Beauty Dungdung.

Coach's Insights on Team Selection

Chief Coach Marijne expressed confidence in the selected squad, stating, "We have assembled a well-balanced team prepared for the significant challenges ahead this summer. The players have dedicated themselves in preparation for the tournament, and we believe in their capabilities. We are eager to compete against the world's top teams and demonstrate our hockey skills on this grand platform."

India's World Cup Pool and Match Schedule

India has been placed in Pool D, competing against China, England, and South Africa. All pool-stage matches will be held at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands. The team will kick off its campaign against China on August 16, followed by matches against South Africa on August 18 and England on August 20.

Complete Squad for FIH Hockey Women's World Cup 2026

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.