India Unveils Squad for 2026 Women's Asian Champions Trophy in Bhopal

Hockey India has announced the squad for the upcoming Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2026 in Bhopal, where the Indian team, led by Salima Tete, aims to defend their title. Following their recent success at the Asian Games, the team is eager to continue their winning streak. The tournament will feature six teams and will follow a round-robin format, culminating in semi-finals and medal matches. With strong local support, the Indian team is poised to deliver an impressive performance. Read on for more details about the squad and tournament schedule.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 10, 2026, 14:04 IST

Indian Team Set for Women's Asian Champions Trophy

New Delhi, November 10: Hockey India has officially revealed the roster for the Indian women's team ahead of the Madhya Pradesh Women’s Asian Champions Trophy, which will take place from November 19 to 28 at the newly constructed International Sports Complex in Nathu Barkheda, Bhopal.

Midfielder Salima Tete will captain the squad as they embark on their first international competition following their remarkable gold medal win at the Asian Games in Japan last month.

As the defending champions and three-time titleholders, having won in 2016, 2023, and 2024, India aims to extend their winning streak and secure a hat-trick of championships, building on the confidence gained from their recent success.

The tournament will feature six teams: India, China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and South Korea. Notably, South Korea has also clinched the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy three times.

Competing in a round-robin format, each team will face the others once, with the top four teams advancing to the semi-finals.

Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne expressed his desire to provide opportunities for players to demonstrate their skills on an international platform. "Some players will be positioned differently than usual, allowing me to evaluate their performance in new roles," he stated. "We are eager to play in front of our home fans and conclude the year on a high note."

The tournament will kick off with China, the top-ranked team in Asia, facing Thailand, while India will start their campaign against Malaysia after the opening ceremony. Following this, India will compete against South Korea on November 21, Thailand on November 22, China on November 24, and Japan on November 25.

Semi-finals are scheduled for November 27, with the medal matches taking place on November 28.

With strong support from local fans, the Indian team is determined to deliver another impressive performance and maintain their winning momentum.

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey emphasized the significance of the tournament, stating, "The Madhya Pradesh Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Bhopal 2026 is a crucial opportunity for our team to build on their historic Asian Games victory. Competing in front of home supporters will serve as great motivation, and I am confident the players will perform admirably and make the nation proud."

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh also extended his best wishes to the team. "We are thrilled that Madhya Pradesh will host some of Asia's top hockey teams. Our women's team has had an exceptional year, highlighted by their gold medal at the Asian Games, and this tournament presents another chance to showcase their talent.

As the reigning champions, the team is eager to sustain its winning streak. We anticipate an exciting competition and strong backing from hockey enthusiasts throughout Madhya Pradesh," he added.

Here’s the complete squad: Bansari Solanki, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Nikki Pradhan, Jyoti, Jyoti Singh, Sushila Chanu, Lalthantluangi, Pooja Sahoo, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (c), Neha, Sakshi Rana, Baljeet Kaur, Ishika, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Beauty Dungdung, Lalremsiami, Mumtaz Khan.