New Delhi, May 18: Hockey India announced the Indian women’s hockey team for the upcoming tour of Australia on Monday. The team will compete in a four-match series against Australia, starting on May 26.
All matches will take place at the Perth Hockey Stadium. The first match is scheduled for May 26, followed by the second on May 27, the third on May 29, and the final match on May 30. This tour is considered significant for the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26, which will be held in Auckland from June 15 to 21.
The Indian team is heading to Australia after a commendable performance earlier this year in Argentina, where they secured two victories in a challenging four-match series. Since then, the team has been training rigorously at the National Camp in Bengaluru, focusing on enhancing specific aspects of their game in preparation for a busy international season ahead.
Salima Tete, a bronze medalist from the 2022 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, will lead the team on this tour. She will be supported by experienced players like Savita, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalremsiami, and Navneet Kaur, along with exciting young talents such as Sonam, Hina Bano, and Lalthanthluangi.
In the goalkeeping department, Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam will serve as reliable options. The defense will feature Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthanthluangi, Jyoti, and Shilpi Dabas, the latter two making their senior team debuts.
Salima Tete will lead the midfield alongside experienced players like Neha and Lalremsiami, while Sakshi Rana and Sunita Toppo aim to make a significant impact. Deepika Soreng and Sonam have also been included in the midfield unit, both of whom are yet to make their senior international debuts.
Navneet Kaur is expected to maintain her impressive scoring form during this tour, leading the forward line that includes Baljeet Kaur, Deepika, Annu, Ishika, Hina Bano, who is also yet to debut internationally, and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal.
Sharing his thoughts on the squad, head coach Sjoerd Marijne stated, “We have selected a balanced squad with a mix of experienced and young players, some of whom will get their first opportunity at the international level. It is essential for players to continue developing, and the best way to do this is by playing under pressure in international matches. These players now have the chance to showcase their best, and I am excited to see their performance.”
The squad for the Australia 2026 tour includes 22 players:
Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthanthluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas
Midfielders: Salima Tete, Lalremsiami, Neha, Sakshi Rana, Sunita Toppo, Deepika Soreng, Sonam
Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Baljeet Kaur, Deepika, Annu, Ishika, Hina Bano, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal
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