Indian women's hockey team gear up for Australia challenge Down Under
New Delhi, May 25
The Indian women's hockey team is ready to embark on a thrilling campaign as they gear up to face Australia in an eagerly anticipated four-match friendly series, marking a crucial point in the team's ongoing preparations for the upcoming FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup New Zealand 2025-26. The highly anticipated action will begin on Tuesday at the Perth Hockey Stadium, as per a press release. Fresh from an encouraging display in Argentina earlier this year, where India held the world No. 2 side by levelling the four-match series 2-2 after losing two matches, the Indian squad enters this tour high on confidence. The squad spent the last few weeks grinding through high-intensity tactical drills at the national training camp in SAI Bengaluru, which helped the players sharpen their skills, structural play, penalty corner variations and overall match fitness under the watchful eyes of Chief Coach, Sjoerd Marijne. Commenting on the emotions ahead of the tour, Captain Salima Tete said the squad is excited about the upcoming tour, noting that facing Australia in Australia will be a strong test. She added that the matches in Perth will be important for the team's preparation and development.
"The entire squad is really looking forward to this tour. Playing against Australia, especially on their home turf, is always a tough challenge, and that is exactly what we need at this stage of our preparations. Every match in Perth will be crucial for us," she said. "We want to head into the Nations Cup in Auckland with momentum and confidence. Australia will push us to our limits, and we want to use that to become a stronger unit," she added. The 22-member Indian squad features an exciting mix of youth and experience, with rising talents Sonam, Hina Bano and Lalthantluangi eagerly waiting for their opportunity. Currently ranked 9th in the FIH World Rankings, the Indian team is ready to pull out all stops to challenge their 8th-ranked opponents. India will take on Australia in the opening match of the series on Tuesday at 5:00 PM IST. Complete schedule (all times IST): India vs Australia, Match 1: May 26 (17:00 hrs) India vs Australia, Match 2: May 27 (17:00 hrs) India vs Australia, Match 3: May 29 (11:00 hrs) India vs Australia, Match 4: May 30 (11:00 hrs)
Indian squad:
Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas
Midfielders: Salima Tete, Lalremsiami, Neha, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Deepika Soreng, Sonam
Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Baljeet Kaur, Deepika, Annu, Ishika, Hina Bano, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal.
— ANI
Reader Comments
So proud of how far our women's team has come. From near misses to now consistently competing with top sides—this is real progress. The mix of youth like Sonam and Hina Bano with experienced players like Savita is exciting. Hoping they use this series to fine-tune penalty corner variations, which have been a weak spot. Go India! 🌟
Great to see India's women's hockey getting this kind of exposure. Playing Australia in Perth is no joke—their physicality and speed are top-notch. If India can even win one match, that would be a massive confidence booster for the Nations Cup. Keep an eye on Lalremsiami in midfield; she's a real game-changer.
Honestly, our women's hockey team deserves way more media coverage and sponsorship than they get. They're consistently punching above their weight internationally. Salima Tete's statement about using this tour to "become a stronger unit" shows the right attitude. Hope the Sports Ministry takes note and provides more support—these players are doing the country proud on limited resources.
So happy to see names like Lalthantluangi and Deepika Soreng in the squad—talent from Northeast India is shining! The SAI Bengaluru camp seems to have done wonders. My only concern is converting circle entries into goals; we create chances but sometimes lack the finishing touch. Hopefully, the Australia series will sharpen that. All the best, girls! 🏑💪
Good preparation for the Nations Cup, but I hope the team doesn't become
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