NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Indian women's hockey team has departed for China to compete in the Women's Asia Cup 2025. Captain Salima Tete leads a 20-member squad featuring both experienced players and rising young stars. India needs to win the tournament to secure qualification for the 2026 FIH Women's Hockey World Cup. The team begins its campaign against Thailand on September 5 in Pool B matches.

Key Points: Indian Women's Hockey Team Departs for Asia Cup China

  • Team aims to top Pool B against Japan Thailand Singapore
  • Features mix of experienced players and young talent
  • Goalkeepers Bansari Solanki Bichu Devi provide depth
  • Midfield boasts strong names like Neha Lalremsiami Sharmila Devi
2 min read

Hockey: Indian team leaves for Women's Asia Cup in China

Captain Salima Tete leads 20-member squad aiming to win Women's Asia Cup 2025 and secure spot for FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 in China tournament.

"This tournament is a really good opportunity for us to secure our spot for the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup next year - Salima Tete"

Bengaluru, Aug 30

The Indian women's team left for Hangzhou, China on Saturday, as the squad gears up for the upcoming Women's Asia Cup 2025. The 20-member team is being led by captain Salima Tete, who is looking to win the tournament to secure India's spot for the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026 next year.

Talking about the upcoming competition, Salima said, "This tournament is a really good opportunity for us to secure our spot for the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup next year, and we are focusing on that. Our first priority at present is to top our Pool and reach the Super Fours. From there, we will take each game as it comes and make our way towards the trophy."

The squad features a balanced mix of youth and experience, with goalkeepers Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam providing depth under the post. The defence unit will be marshalled by experienced players like Nikki Pradhan and Udita, supported by youngsters Manisha Chauhan, Jyoti, Suman Devi Thoudam, and Ishika Chaudhary.

In the midfield, the team boasts strong names such as Neha, captain Salima Tete, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Sunelita Toppo and Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, ensuring both creativity and stability. The forward line includes a blend of seasoned campaigners and rising stars — Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Deepika, Beauty Dungdung, and Rutaja Dadaso Pisal.

India have been drawn in Pool B and are scheduled to face Japan, Thailand and Singapore in the group stage. They will kick off their campaign against Thailand on September 5, followed by a clash against Japan on September 6, and will then play their final pool-stage match against Singapore on September 8.

India have won the Women's Asia Cup twice, first in 2004 and again in 2017. In the last edition of the event, India finished third in the tournament.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good mix of experienced and young players. Nikki Pradhan's experience in defense will be crucial. Hope the youngsters step up too! #HockeyIndia
A
Aman W
Japan will be the toughest opponent in the group stage. Our girls need to be at their absolute best from the first match itself. No complacency!
S
Sarah B
Love seeing the growth of women's hockey in India! These athletes deserve more media coverage and support. Wishing them success in China! ✨
V
Vikram M
Hope the forwards like Navneet Kaur and Sangita Kumari find their scoring form early. We need goals to build confidence in the tournament.
N
Nisha Z
While I support the team, I hope the coaching staff has worked on penalty corner conversions. That was a weak area in previous tournaments. Fingers crossed for better results this time!
M
Michael C
Great to see India investing in women's sports. The Asia Cup is a perfect platform to test the team before the World Cup qualifiers. Best of luck to the entire squad!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50