New Delhi, March 30 (NationPress) Hockey India has officially announced the upcoming women’s national coaching camp, which will run from April 1 to 9, 2026. This initiative marks the beginning of preparations for a significant international season. Following a commendable performance at the recent FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers held in Hyderabad, Telangana, where the team secured a silver medal, they have successfully qualified for the forthcoming FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands in 2026.

The focus of the camp will be on developing team combinations, improving fitness levels, and refining tactical skills as the squad begins to coalesce under the guidance of new coach Sjoerd Marijne.

The timing of this camp is critical as India gears up for the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2026 in June, the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands in August, and the 2026 Asian Games set to take place from September 19 to October 4 in Japan.

The goalkeeping roster includes Savita, Madhuri Kindo, Bichu Devi Kharibam, and Bansari Solanki, the latter of whom received the prestigious Hockey India Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year at the recent Hockey India 8th Annual Awards 2025. The defensive line boasts seasoned players like Nikki Pradhan and Udita, alongside Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Singh, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, and Shilpi Dabas, adding significant depth to the backline.

The midfield is led by Captain Salima Tete, with contributions from Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Manisha Chauhan, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, and Neha, complemented by emerging talents such as Sakshi Rana, who won the Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year, along with Sunelita Toppo and Ishika. The forward line is formidable, featuring Navneet Kaur, recipient of the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year (Women), along with Deepika, Lalremsiami, Mumtaz Khan, Deepika Soreng, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Baljeet Kaur, Annu, Beauty Dungdung, Hina Bano, Sonam, and Sangita Kumari (Rehab).

Commenting on the camp, Coach Sjoerd Marijne stated, “This camp serves as the next step in our preparations for a highly competitive season ahead. We aim to enhance our consistency, refine our strategies, and ensure that we are both physically and mentally prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. Our goal is to build a squad that can perform under pressure and rise to the occasion during crucial tournaments like the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup and Asian Games.”

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Savita, Madhuri Kindo, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki

Defenders: Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Singh, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Udita, Shilpi Dabas

Midfielders: Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Manisha Chauhan, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete, Neha, Ishika

Forwards: Deepika Soreng, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Baljeet Kaur, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Annu, Beauty Dungdung, Hina Bano, Sonam, Lalremsiami, Mumtaz Khan, Sangita Kumari (Rehab)