Indian Women's Hockey Team Announced for FIH Nations Cup 2025-26

Hockey India has unveiled the Indian Women's Team for the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup 2025-26, set to take place in Auckland from June 15 to 21. Led by captain Salima Tete, the squad features a mix of experienced players and newcomers eager to showcase their skills. The team aims to build on their recent performances in Australia, where they gained valuable experience. With a challenging pool ahead, including matches against the United States and Japan, the squad is motivated and ready to make a mark in the tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 2, 2026, 17:08 IST

Indian Women's Hockey Team Set for Nations Cup

On June 2, Hockey India revealed the roster for the Indian Women's Team participating in the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup 2025-26, scheduled from June 15 to 21 in Auckland, New Zealand. Salima Tete will captain the team, with Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam providing experienced options in goal.

The defensive lineup includes Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Ishika Chaudhary, Nikki Pradhan, and Jyoti, all of whom bring significant international experience. They will be joined by Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas, both of whom received their first senior call-ups during the recent Australian tour, eager to advance their skills at this level.

Salima will lead the midfield, supported by Neha, Sunelita Toppo, and Sakshi Rana, with Deepika Soreng also making an impression during the friendly matches in Australia. Navneet Kaur will lead the attack, aiming to maintain her impressive scoring streak from recent international games, backed by Deepika, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Annu, and experienced midfielders Lalremsiami and Sonam, who collectively offer speed, creativity, and finishing prowess.

The Indian squad enters the Nations Cup following a successful tour in Australia, where they played a four-match friendly series in Perth, gaining valuable experience. The team managed to secure a 2-2 draw against the hosts after four competitive matches.

India has been placed in Pool A for the tournament, alongside Japan, the United States, and Uruguay, while Pool B features hosts New Zealand, Chile, Korea, and France.

'Prepared for the Challenge'

Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne emphasized the significance of the team's preparation for this critical phase, which includes the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup, the FIH World Cup, and the Asian Games. "The Nations Cup is a vital tournament for us. We aim to approach it with ambition and set a standard for ourselves to build upon. Our tours in Argentina and Australia have provided excellent preparation, and now we need to demonstrate that level consistently throughout the tournament. The squad is motivated and ready for the challenge," Marijne stated.

Regarding the squad selection, he noted, "We have chosen a team that balances experience and eagerness. Players like Savita, Sushila, Nikki, and Navneet have participated in major tournaments and understand the pressure. Simultaneously, we have emerging players who will benefit from this competitive environment. I am excited to see how this group performs in Auckland."

India will kick off their Nations Cup journey against the United States on Monday, June 15, at 16:15 IST, followed by a match against Japan on Tuesday, June 16, at 18:30 IST. They will conclude the pool stage with a game against Uruguay on Thursday, June 18, at 16:15 IST. The semi-finals are set for Saturday, June 20, with the final taking place on Sunday, June 21.

FIH Women's Nations Cup Squad

Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Ishika Chaudhary, Lalthantluangi, Shilpi Dabas, Jyoti, Nikki Pradhan
Midfielders: Salima Tete (c), Neha, Sunelita Toppo, Sakshi Rana, Deepika Soreng, Sonam, Lalremsiami
Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Ishika, Annu.