In a major boost for Indian women’s hockey, Hockey India revealed the national team for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifier in Hyderabad. Seasoned midfielder Salima Tete takes the captain’s armband, guiding a talented 20-player roster from March 8-14.
Eight nations descend on Telangana: host India, England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales, and Austria. The top three from this qualifier advance to the World Cup in Belgium/Netherlands. Pool divisions set the stage—England, Korea, Italy, Austria in Pool A; India, Scotland, Uruguay, Wales in Pool B.
Goalkeepers Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam form a solid last line. Defenders Sushila Chanu, Nikki Pradhan, Manisha Chauhan, Udita, and Ishika Chaudhary anchor the back. Midfield maestro Salima Tete links with Neha, Sunita Toppo, Sakshi Rana, Vaishnavi Vitthal Falke, Rutuja Pisal, and Deepika Soreng.
Up front, Navneet Kaur, Ishika, Lalremsiami, Beauty Dungdung, Baljeet Kaur, and Annu are primed to fire on all cylinders. This squad reflects careful selection for balance and depth.
Coach Shourd Marin, recently at the helm, shared his vision: ‘This is our first outing as a unit, and we’re honing fitness and tactics. Every player knows their role. Two practice games in Hyderabad will sharpen us for the real tests.’
The campaign opens with Uruguay on March 8, Scotland on March 9, and Wales on March 11. As Hyderabad gears up, the focus is on channeling home crowd energy into World Cup dreams. Salima Tete’s experience from past glories positions India for a strong showing.