Hockey India on Friday announced the 20-member Indian women's squad for the upcoming FIH Hockey Women's World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026, with midfielder Salima Tete set to lead the team in one of the sport's biggest global events. Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne expressed confidence in the selected group, describing it as a balanced squad capable of competing against the world's top teams.
The prestigious tournament will be jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to August 30, 2026, bringing together the leading women's hockey nations from across the globe.
The Indian squad has been selected after an intensive training camp at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru, where the players have been preparing for the World Cup over the past several weeks. The team combines experienced internationals with a number of promising young players who have impressed through consistent performances in recent international competitions.
Confidence within the Indian camp is high following an outstanding campaign at the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand last month. India emerged champions after remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament, a performance that not only earned the team the title but also provided valuable momentum heading into the World Cup.
The selectors have retained the core of that successful squad while ensuring a healthy blend of youth and experience across all departments.
In the goalkeeping department, experienced custodian Savita will once again play a crucial role alongside Bichu Devi Kharibam, giving India two dependable options between the posts. Savita's leadership and experience at major international tournaments are expected to be key assets during the World Cup campaign.
India's defensive unit features Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, and Shilpi Dabas. The backline combines seasoned defenders with emerging talent, providing the team with both stability and pace in defence.
The midfield will be led by captain Salima Tete, whose energetic style of play and ability to control the tempo have made her one of India's most influential players. She will be supported by Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Neha, and Deepika Soreng, giving India a versatile midfield capable of contributing at both ends of the field.
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The forward line includes several proven goal scorers and exciting young attackers. Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, and Beauty Dungdung have been named in the squad and will be expected to provide the firepower as India aims to make a deep run in the tournament.
Speaking after the squad announcement, Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne said the players have worked hard during the preparation phase and are ready to take on the challenge of competing against the world's strongest teams.
India has been placed in Pool D, where it will face China, England, and South Africa during the group stage. The pool presents a competitive challenge, with England among the traditional powerhouses of international women's hockey and China emerging as one of Asia's strongest sides in recent years.
All of India's group-stage matches will be played at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, one of the sport's most iconic venues. India will begin its World Cup campaign against China on August 16, before taking on South Africa on August 18. The team will conclude its group-stage fixtures with a high-profile encounter against England on August 20, a match that could prove decisive in determining qualification for the knockout rounds.
With a successful Nations Cup campaign behind them and a balanced squad featuring experienced campaigners alongside talented youngsters, India will head into the World Cup aiming to build on recent progress and challenge the world's leading teams for a place in the latter stages of the competition.
India's 20-member squad for the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup 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 (Captain), Neha, Deepika Soreng
Forwards: Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Beauty Dungdung.
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