Indian Squad – The Hindu

Hockey India (HI) on Sunday named a 20-member Indian women’s squad for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled here from March 8 to 14. Midfielder Salima Tete will captain the side.

The tournament will mark the first assignment for the team under returning chief coach Sjoerd Marijne, who took charge earlier this year after replacing Harendra Singh.

Eight teams — host India, England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales and Austria — will battle for three coveted berths at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026, set for August.

The teams have been divided into two pools. Pool A features England, Korea, Italy and Austria, while Pool B comprises India, Scotland, Uruguay and Wales.

After missing out on qualification through the Asia Cup, India will look to capitalise on home advantage to secure a place in the quadrennial showpiece.

“We’ve been working on fitness and tactics. Everybody understands their tasks and roles. We will play two practice matches in Hyderabad to be fully ready,” Marijne said.

India will get its World Cup Qualifiers underway against Uruguay on March 8, followed by matches against Scotland on March 9 and Wales on March 11, respectively.

The squad: Goalkeepers: Bansari Solanki, Bichu Devi Kharibam; Defenders: Sushila Chanu, Nikki Pradhan, Manisha Chauhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary.

Midfielders: Neha, Salima Tete (Capt.), Sunelita Toppo, Sakshi Rana, Vaishnavi Phalke, Rutaja Pisal, Deepika Soreng; Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Ishika, Lalremsiami, Beauty Dungdung, Baljeet Kaur, Annu.