Defending champions to begin their campaign against Malaysia in Bhopal on November 19

New Delhi, November 10 (HS): Hockey India on Tuesday announced the Indian women’s hockey squad for the Madhya Pradesh Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Bhopal 2026, with midfielder Salima Tete set to continue as captain. The team will be making its first international appearance since winning a historic gold medal at the Asian Games in Japan last month.

The tournament will be held from November 19 to 28 at the newly constructed International Sports Complex in Nathu Barkheda, Bhopal. Hosts India will enter the competition as defending champions and three-time winners, having lifted the trophy in 2016, 2023 and 2024. The Indian team will now aim to secure the title for the fourth time overall and continue its successful run in the competition.

The six-nation tournament will feature India, China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and South Korea. Like India, South Korea have also won the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy three times.

The competition will be played in a round-robin format, with each team facing the other five sides once in the league stage. The top four teams at the end of the league phase will advance to the semi-finals.

Chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said, “This is the moment when I want to give other players an opportunity to showcase their talent at the international level. Some players will be playing in positions different from their usual roles, allowing me to assess how they perform in new positions. We are excited to play in front of our home crowd and finish the year on a high note.”

India to Open Campaign Against Malaysia on November 19

On the opening day of the tournament, Asia’s top-ranked team, China, will take on Thailand in the inaugural match. Following the opening ceremony, India will begin its campaign against Malaysia.

India’s second match will be against South Korea on November 21, followed by a clash with Thailand on November 22. The hosts will take on China in their fourth league match on November 24 before concluding the league stage against Japan on November 25.

The semi-final matches are scheduled for November 27, while the medal matches will be played on November 28.

Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey said, “The Madhya Pradesh Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Bhopal 2026 presents an important opportunity for our team to carry forward the momentum of its historic Asian Games triumph. Playing in front of home supporters will serve as a major source of motivation for the players. I am confident that they will deliver a strong performance and make the country proud.”

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh also extended his best wishes to the team. He said, “We are delighted that Madhya Pradesh is set to host some of Asia’s finest hockey teams. Our women’s team has enjoyed an outstanding year, with the Asian Games gold medal being its biggest achievement. This tournament will provide the players with another opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities. As defending champions, the team will be determined to maintain its winning momentum. We look forward to an exciting competition and strong support from hockey fans across Madhya Pradesh.”

Indian Women’s Hockey Squad

Goalkeepers:Bansari Solanki, Bichu Devi Kharibam.

Defenders:Nikki Pradhan, Jyoti, Jyoti Singh, Sushila Chanu, Lalthantluangi, Pooja Sahoo.

Midfielders: Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (Captain), Neha, Sakshi Rana, Baljeet Kaur, Ishika.

Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Beauty Dungdung, Lalremsiami, Mumtaz Khan.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar