India's Women's Hockey Team Set for 2026 Asian Champions Trophy in Bhopal
Hockey India Unveils Squad for 2026 Asian Champions Trophy
On Tuesday, Hockey India revealed the roster for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh Women’s Asian Champions Trophy, which is set to take place from November 19 to 28 at the newly constructed International Sports Complex in Nathu Barkheda, Bhopal. Midfielder Salima Tete will captain the Indian squad, marking their first international competition following their historic gold medal win at the Asian Games in Japan last month.
Defending Champions Aim for Title Hat-Trick
As the defending champions and three-time titleholders, India aims to extend their winning streak, having previously claimed the trophy in 2016, 2023, and 2024. The team is eager to build on the confidence gained from their recent Asian Games success. The tournament will feature six teams: India, China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and South Korea. Notably, South Korea has also secured the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy three times. The competition will adopt a round-robin format, with each team facing the others once. The top four teams will advance to the semi-finals.
Coaching Insights and Tournament Schedule
Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne expressed his intention to provide opportunities for players to demonstrate their skills on an international platform. "Some players will be positioned differently than usual, allowing me to assess their performance in new roles," he stated. He added, "We are thrilled to compete in front of our home fans and aim to 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 journey 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. The semi-finals are scheduled for November 27, with the medal matches taking place on November 28.
Expectations and Support from Leadership
With strong support from local fans, the Indian team is determined to deliver another impressive performance. Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey emphasized the significance of the tournament, stating, "The Madhya Pradesh Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Bhopal 2026 presents a vital 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, highlighting the excitement of hosting some of Asia’s top hockey teams. He noted, "Our women’s team has had a remarkable year, capped by their Asian Games gold medal, and this tournament is another chance to showcase their talent. As defending champions, they are committed to maintaining their winning momentum, and we anticipate an exhilarating competition with robust support from hockey enthusiasts across Madhya Pradesh."
Complete Squad Announcement
The full squad for the tournament includes: 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, and Mumtaz Khan.