Who are the 40 Players Selected for the Senior Women’s National Camp Ahead of Asia Cup?

Bengaluru, July 19 (NationPress) On Saturday, Hockey India unveiled a 40-member core probables group for the forthcoming Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp, slated to take place at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru from July 21 to August 29.

This camp is crucial as the Indian women’s team prepares for the Women’s Asia Cup 2025, which is set to commence on September 5 in Hangzhou, China. The tournament will act as a direct qualification route for the 2026 FIH Women’s World Cup, where only the champion secures a guaranteed spot.

All participants from the previous camp have been retained, showcasing a commitment to stability and long-term growth under the current coaching regime.

The goalkeeping squad showcases experienced veterans Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki, and Madhuri Kindo, alongside emerging talent Samiksha Saxena from Assam Hockey, who caught the selectors’ eyes with her performances at this year's National Championships.

The defensive lineup includes seasoned players like Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Udita, and Mahima Chaudhary, augmented by promising players such as Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Chhatri, Anjna Dungdung, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, and Suman Devi Thoudam.

In the midfield, the team continues to rely on seasoned players like Neha, Salima Tete, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Manisha Chauhan, and Sharmila Devi, while also nurturing young talents such as Sujata Kujur, Mahima Tete, Albela Rani Toppo, and Pooja Yadav.

The forward line is a mix of agility and finishing prowess, featuring players like Navneet Kaur, Deepika Soreng, Sangita Kumari, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Mumtaz Khan, Beauty Dungdung, Annu, Hritika Singh, Dipimonika Toppo, Chandana Jagadish, and Kajal Sadashiv Atpadkar.

Importantly, the Indian team aims to build on previous successes in Asia and recover from a challenging experience in the recently concluded FIH Pro League, where they faced difficulties during the European leg.

Commenting on the camp, Indian women's team head coach Harendra Singh stated, “This camp is pivotal for us. The Asia Cup is not only a prestigious continental tournament but also a direct pathway to the 2026 World Cup. We approach this camp with the highest intensity and focus to ensure we arrive in Hangzhou as a mentally and physically ready team.”

“We have kept the core from the last camp to maintain our consistency while also allowing younger players to adapt to the senior structure. Following a tough Pro League campaign in Europe, where we didn’t achieve our desired outcomes, this camp offers us a chance to reset, refocus, and emerge stronger. Additionally, we have pinpointed critical areas for improvement in penalty corner defense, which was a significant concern during the Pro League.”

“The atmosphere within the group is positive. The players recognize what’s at stake, and we’ll use every session to enhance our structure, decision-making under pressure, and overall cohesion,” he concluded.

Indian women’s team 40-member senior core group:

Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki, Madhuri Kindo, Samiksha Saxena.

Defenders: Mahima Chaudhary, Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Chhatri, Jyoti, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Anjna Dungdung, Suman Devi Thoudam.

Midfielders: Sujata Kujur, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Salima Tete, Manisha Chauhan, Ajmina Kujur, Sunelita Toppo, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Baljeet Kaur, Mahima Tete, Albela Rani Toppo, Pooja Yadav.

Forwards: Dipimonika Toppo, Hritika Singh, Deepika Soreng, Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Beauty Dungdung, Mumtaz Khan, Annu, Chandana Jagadish, Kajal Sadashiv Atpadkar.