Salima Tete to lead India's 20-member squad for Asian Games
New Delhi, July 10
Hockey India on Friday announced the 20-member Indian Women's Hockey Team for the upcoming 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, scheduled to be held from September 19 to October 4 in Japan.
Salima Tete will continue to captain the side, having led the team to FIH Nations Cup triumph in New Zealand last month. Savita, who recently received the Padma Shri award, and Bichu Devi Kharibam have been named as the two goalkeepers in the squad.
"We have a group in which we have a nice balance between juniors, experienced players and seniors who are constantly working to get the best out of each other," said the team's chief coach, Sjoerd Marijne, sharing his thoughts on the selected 20-member squad.
The defence comprises Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Ishika Chaudhary and Jyoti, besides Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas who made their senior debut during the FIH Nations Cup and were rewarded for their good performance in the tournament that India won with an unbeaten run.
In the midfield, captain Salima will be joined by Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Neha and Deepika Soreng.
The forward line features Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur and Beauty Dungdung.
"This group of players has shown that they have the right form and fitness in recent months. We are confident that this team is ready for the challenge at the Asian Games," Chief Coach Marijne added.
India's 20-member squad for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026
Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas
Midfielders: Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (C), Neha, Deepika Soreng
Forwards: Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Beauty Dungdung
— IANS
Reader Comments
Savita getting the Padma Shri is well-deserved! But I hope the defence doesn't get complacent after the Nations Cup win. China and Korea are always tough in the Asian Games. Still, this team has a nice mix of youth and experience. Let's bring back gold! 🥇
Interesting squad selection. I wonder if the midfield depth is enough for a long tournament. Nikki Pradhan and Sunelita Toppo are solid, but we might need more creativity in the center of the pitch. Still, always proud of our Indian women's hockey team!
Beauty Dungdung and Lalremsiami in the forward line? That's some serious firepower! 💪 The 2026 Asian Games is going to be tough, but with this squad and Marijne's coaching, we have a real shot at gold. Just hope the weather in Nagoya doesn't affect their game. Japan can be humid in September.
As much as I'm excited for the team, I feel the selection committee could have given a chance to some younger players from the junior side who did well recently. Having said that, the current squad has performed well in the Nations Cup, so continuity makes sense. All the best, girls! 🙏
Good to see Savita in goal again. She's been a rock for Indian hockey for years. The defence looks experienced with Sushila and Ishika, but I'm a bit concerned about the lack of left-back cover. Regardless, the spirit is high, and that's what matters in Asian Games hockey!
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