Overview
India announced a 20-member women’s hockey squad on 2 June 2026 for the FIH Nations Cup in Auckland (15-21 June). Salima Tete will captain the side. India is in Pool A with Japan, USA, and Uruguay. Two uncapped players – Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas – received their first senior call-ups.
A New Challenge Awaits
On 2 June 2026, Hockey India announced the 20-member women’s squad for the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26 . The tournament will be held in Auckland, New Zealand , from 15 to 21 June 2026. This is an important event for India. It gives the team a chance to test itself against strong opponents. It also helps the team prepare for bigger tournaments like the World Cup and Asian Games. India has been placed in Pool A along with Japan, the United States, and Uruguay . The top teams from the pool will advance to the knockout stage.
Squad Composition: Experienced Core with Fresh Faces
The Indian squad has a good mix of experienced players and young talent. Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam are the two goalkeepers. Both have played many international matches. Savita is a veteran and former captain. Bichu Devi has also proved herself in big tournaments.
The defence will be led by experienced players like Udita , Gurjit Kaur , and Jyoti . Gurjit is famous for her powerful drag-flicks. Nikki Pradhan and Suman Devi add more depth to the defensive line.
The midfield is strong and energetic. Salima Tete will continue as the captain. She will be supported by Neha , Sunelita Toppo , Sakshi Rana , and Deepika Soreng . All of them are quick, skilled, and good at creating chances.
The forward line looks dangerous. Navneet Kaur , Deepika , Rutuja Dadaso Pisal , Annu , Ishika , Lalremsiami , and Sonam will be responsible for scoring goals. Lalremsiami has been a regular goal-scorer for India. Navneet brings experience and calmness.
First Senior Call-Ups: Two New Stars
Two players received their first senior national call-ups for this tournament. They are Lalthantluangi (midfielder) and Shilpi Dabas (forward). Both impressed the selectors during the team’s recent tour of Australia. Their performances in practice matches and training sessions earned them a place in the squad. This is a big moment for them. It shows that India is building a strong bench for the future.
Preparatory Tour: A Confidence-Boosting Australia Trip
Before the Nations Cup, the Indian team went on a preparatory tour of Australia . They played four friendly matches in Perth . The results were encouraging. In one of the matches, India held Australia – one of the world’s best teams – to a 2-2 draw . That result gave the team a lot of confidence. It showed that India can compete with top sides. The tour also helped the new players adjust to international level hockey.
Tournament Format and India’s Pool
The FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup is a competition for teams that are not in the top tier of the Pro League. It gives them a chance to qualify for the Pro League later. The tournament will be played in a round-robin format within each pool. The top two teams from each pool will go to the semi-finals. The winner of the final gets a direct entry to the next season’s FIH Hockey Pro League.
India is in Pool A with:
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Japan – a very skilled and fast team. They have beaten India in the past.
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United States – a physical and athletic side.
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Uruguay – a rising team from South America.
All matches will be tough. India must start well to reach the knockout stage.
Captain Salima Tete: Leading from the Front
Salima Tete has been named captain of the team. She is a dynamic midfielder from Jharkhand. She is known for her speed, dribbling, and never-say-die attitude. She has captained India in several tournaments before. Her leadership will be crucial in Auckland. She will need to keep the team calm and focused, especially in close matches.
Why This Tournament Matters
The FIH Nations Cup is not just another tournament. It is a pathway to the FIH Hockey Pro League . The Pro League features the world’s best teams. Winning the Nations Cup would give India a chance to play against top sides like the Netherlands, Argentina, and Australia on a regular basis. That would help India prepare better for the Olympics and World Cup.
Also, with the Asian Games approaching, this tournament is good practice. India wants to win a gold medal at the Asian Games to qualify directly for the Olympics. Every match against foreign teams counts.
Key Players to Watch
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Savita (Goalkeeper): Her saves under pressure can change matches.
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Gurjit Kaur (Defender): Her penalty corner drag-flicks are India’s biggest weapon.
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Salima Tete (Midfielder): She controls the tempo of the game.
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Lalremsiami (Forward): She has a knack for scoring in big matches.
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Shilpi Dabas (Forward – uncapped): Everyone will be watching her debut.
A Look at the Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Udita, Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Jyoti, Suman Devi
Midfielders: Salima Tete (C), Neha, Sunelita Toppo, Sakshi Rana, Deepika Soreng, Lalthantluangi
Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Annu, Ishika, Lalremsiami, Sonam, Shilpi Dabas
Conclusion: Ready for the Challenge
The Indian women’s hockey team has worked hard. The Australia tour gave them match practice. The new players have brought fresh energy. The experienced players are ready to lead. Captain Salima Tete and her team know that the Nations Cup is a big opportunity. If they play to their potential, they can beat Japan, USA, and Uruguay. The matches in Auckland will be exciting. Indian hockey fans will be cheering loudly. Let us hope the team returns with the trophy.
Exam-Focused Points