Hyderabad, 01 March (H.S.): Hockey India announced the 20-member senior women's team for the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup 2026 Qualifier, set for March 8-14 in Hyderabad, Telangana, with experienced midfielder Salima Tete named captain.India kicks off against Uruguay on March 8, followed by Scotland on March 9 and Wales on March 11 in Pool B alongside Scotland, Uruguay, and Wales.
Pool A features England, Korea, Italy, and Austria. The top three teams from the eight-nation event will qualify for the World Cup in Belgium and Netherlands come August 2026.
Goalkeepers Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam anchor defense led by Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nikki Pradhan, Manisha Chauhan, Udita, and Ishika Chaudhary. Tete spearheads midfield with Neha, Sunelita Toppo, Sakshi Rana, Vaishnavi Vitthal Falke, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, and Deepika Soreng.
Forward firepower rests on Navneet Kaur, Ishika, Lalremsiami, Beauty Dungdung, Baljeet Kaur, and Annu.Chief Coach Schjoerd Marijne emphasized fitness and tactics, with two practice matches lined up pre-tournament to sharpen the squad's edge for qualification.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
