NEW DELHI, June 2 (H.S.): Hockey India on Tuesday announced the Indian women’s hockey squad for the FIH Women’s Hockey Nations Cup 2025–26, scheduled to be held in Auckland, New Zealand, from June 15 to 21. Midfielder Salima Tete has once again been entrusted with the captaincy of the national side.

India have been placed in Pool A alongside Japan, the United States, and Uruguay. The team will enter the tournament carrying confidence and valuable lessons from its recent tour of Australia, where it secured a 2-2 draw in a four-match friendly series against the hosts in Perth.

Experienced goalkeepers Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam will shoulder the responsibility between the posts. The defensive unit includes seasoned campaigners Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Ishika Chaudhary, Nikki Pradhan and Jyoti. Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas, who recently made their senior-team debuts during the Australia tour, have also been included in the squad.

The midfield will be led by captain Salima Tete, with Neha, Sunelita Toppo, Sakshi Rana and Deepika Soreng providing additional strength and balance in the centre of the park.

In attack, Navneet Kaur will once again be expected to spearhead India’s goal-scoring efforts. She will be supported by Deepika, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Ishika and Annu. Experienced attacking midfielders Lalremsiami and Sonam are also expected to add firepower to the Indian offence.

Head coach Sjoerd Marijne described the Nations Cup as a highly significant tournament for the team. He said the tours of Argentina and Australia had provided valuable preparation, and the focus would now be on delivering consistent performances throughout the competition.

India will open their campaign against the United States on June 15, followed by matches against Japan on June 16 and Uruguay on June 18. The semi-finals will be played on June 20, while the final is scheduled for June 21.

Indian Women’s Hockey Team

Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam

Defenders: Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Ishika Chaudhary, Lalthantluangi, Shilpi Dabas, Jyoti, Nikki Pradhan

Midfielders: Salima Tete (Captain), Neha, Sunelita Toppo, Sakshi Rana, Deepika Soreng, Sonam, Lalremsiami

Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Ishika, Annu.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar