Salima Tete to lead India in FIH World Cup Qualifiers

Hockey India has announced a 20-member squad for the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, to be held in Hyderabad from 8–14 March. India, led by captain Salima Tete, will face Uruguay, Scotland, and Wales in Pool B.

Hyderabad: Hockey India on Sunday announced a 20-member Indian Women’s Hockey Team squad for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers scheduled to be held at Gachibowli Hockey Complex here from 8 to 14 March.

Hosts India, England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales, and Austria will be competing for three qualification spots at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026 set to be held in August.

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The teams are divided into two pools, with England, Korea, Italy, and Austria in Pool A, while hosts India, Scotland, Uruguay, and Wales are in Pool B.

Seasoned midfielder Salima Tete will continue to captain the side, providing leadership and stability at the heart of the team. The squad comprises Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam sharing the goalkeeping responsibilities.

Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nikki Pradhan, Manisha Chauhan, Udita, and Ishika Chaudhary form the defensive unit while Captain Salima Tete, Neha, Sunelita Toppo, Sakshi Rana, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, and Deepika Soreng will occupy the midfield.

In attack, the team boasts flair and finishing prowess with Navneet Kaur, Ishika, Lalremsiami, Beauty Dungdung, Baljeet Kaur, and Annu taking on the goalscoring responsibilities.

Recently appointed Chief Coach of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team, Sjoerd Marijne shared his thoughts ahead of the crucial tournament and said, “We are really looking forward to our first tournament together. We have been working on fitness and tactics, so everybody understands their tasks and role in the team. We will play two practice matches in Hyderabad to be fully ready for the matches ahead.”

India will open their campaign against Uruguay on 8th March followed by matches against Scotland and Wales on 9th and 11th March respectively.

The squad:

Goalkeepers: Bansari Solanki, Bichu Devi Kharibam.

Defenders: Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nikki Pradhan, Manisha Chauhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary.

Midfielders: Neha, Salima Tete, Sunelita Toppo, Sakshi Rana, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Deepika Soreng.

Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Ishika, Lalremsiami, Beauty Dungdung, Baljeet Kaur and Annu.