Salima Tete to lead India's 20-member squad for the Asian Games 2026
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, according to a press release by Hockey India.
"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.
Savita, who recently received the Padma Shri award, and Bichu Devi Kharibam have been named as the two goalkeepers in the 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.
— ANI
Reader Comments
So proud of Savita getting Padma Shri! Our goalkeeping is world-class now. And Bichu Devi is a solid backup. Just hope the defence doesn't get caught out like in the Pro League matches. Jyoti and Ishika need to step up their game. Asian Games gold is non-negotiable! 🥇
Impressive squad selection! Good mix of experience and youth. Marijne seems to have a clear vision. However, I'm a bit concerned about the forward line - Rutuja and Beauty are still relatively untested at this level. Hope the coaching staff has managed their workload well before the big tournament.
Exciting times for women's hockey! Remember when we struggled to even qualify for Asian Games? Now we have a bench strength that can challenge Korea and China. But we must be careful - Japan at home will be tough. Let's not get overconfident. Keep the focus, girls! 😤
Happy to see Nikki Pradhan and Sunelita Toppo in the squad. But we're missing Vandana Kataria's experience in the forward line. Hope the youngsters can fill that void. Also, why no call-up for Preeti Dubey? She had a great domestic season. Selection needs more transparency sometimes.
As a hockey fan from Bangalore, I'm thrilled to see so many young talents getting opportunities! The balance between seniors like Savita and emerging stars like Lalremsiami is spot on. Just one concern - the lack of left-back specialists might be exploited by strong Korean wings. Hope the coaching staff has
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