Hyderabad, March 1: Hockey India announced the 20-member Indian women’s hockey team for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 qualifiers, set to take place in Hyderabad, Telangana. Experienced midfielder Salima Tete will lead the team. The qualifiers will be held from March 8 to March 14.
Host nation India will compete against England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales, and Austria for three spots in the FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands scheduled for August.
The teams are divided into two pools. Pool A consists of England, Korea, Italy, and Austria, while Pool B includes India, Scotland, Uruguay, and Wales.
In goalkeeping, Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam will share responsibilities. The defensive unit features Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nikki Pradhan, Manisha Chauhan, Udita, and Ishika Chaudhary. Midfielders include Captain Salima Tete, Neha, Sunita Toppo, Sakshi Rana, Vaishnavi Vitthal Falke, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, and Deepika Soreng.
The forward line will be led by Navneet Kaur, Ishika, Lalremsiami, Beauty Dungdung, Baljeet Kaur, and Annu.
Recently appointed coach of the Indian women’s hockey team, Shord Marin, expressed excitement for their first tournament together. He stated, “We are really looking forward to our first tournament together. We are working on fitness and strategy so that everyone understands their roles in the team. We will play two practice matches in Hyderabad to be fully prepared for the upcoming matches.”
India will kick off its campaign against Uruguay on March 8, followed by matches against Scotland and Wales on March 9 and March 11, respectively.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Bansari Solanki, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nikki Pradhan, Manisha Chauhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary
Midfielders: Neha, Salima Tete, Sunita Toppo, Sakshi Rana, Vaishnavi Vitthal Falke, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Deepika Soreng
Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Ishika, Lalremsiami, Beauty Dungdung, Baljeet Kaur, Annu
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment