Hockey India on 2 June 2025 announced a 20-member women's squad for the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup 2025-26, scheduled in Auckland, New Zealand from 15 to 21 June. Salima Tete will continue as captain, leading a group that blends seasoned internationals with emerging talent fresh from a recent tour of Australia.

Squad Composition

Experienced goalkeepers Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam guard the posts, while the defensive line features Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, and Jyoti, all carrying significant international caps. Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas, who earned their first senior call-ups during the Australia tour, retain their places and are expected to build on that exposure.

In midfield, Salima Tete is supported by Neha, Sunelita Toppo, Sakshi Rana, and Deepika Soreng, the latter having impressed during the Australia friendly series. The attack is spearheaded by Navneet Kaur, who is anticipated to carry her recent goalscoring form into the tournament, backed by Deepika, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Annu, and Ishika. Attacking midfielders Lalremsiami and Sonam add creativity and finishing depth to the forward unit.

Australia Tour as Preparation Ground

India's preparation for the Nations Cup included a four-match friendly series in Perth, where the side secured a 2-2 draw against the hosts across the series. Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne used the tour to evaluate combinations and expose fringe players to high-pressure international conditions. The Australia leg followed an earlier tour of Argentina, giving the squad back-to-back competitive exposure ahead of the tournament.

Pool Stage Schedule and Draw

India have been placed in Pool A alongside Japan, the United States, and Uruguay. Pool B comprises hosts New Zealand, Chile, Korea, and France. India open their campaign against the United States on 15 June, face Japan on 16 June, and conclude pool play against Uruguay on 18 June. The semi-finals are set for 20 June, with the final on 21 June.

What the Coach Said

Speaking on the squad and the tournament's importance, Chief Coach Marijne said, 'The Nations Cup is an important tournament for us. We want to go there and play with ambition to set a standard for ourselves that we can build on. We have built on those aspects in the Argentina and Australia tours, which gave us good preparation as a team. Now it is about taking the next step and showing that level consistently across a full tournament. The squad is motivated and ready for the challenge.'

On the squad balance, Marijne added, 'We have named a squad that has the right balance of experience and hunger. Players like Savita, Sushila, Nikki and Navneet have been in big tournaments before and know what it takes to perform under pressure. At the same time, we have players who are still developing at the highest level, and a tournament like this provides the environment where that growth happens. I am looking forward to seeing how this group comes together in Auckland.'

Bigger Picture: World Cup and Asian Games Ahead

The Nations Cup is the first major assignment in what Marijne has described as a critical phase for Indian women's hockey, with the FIH World Cup and the Asian Games to follow. A strong showing in Auckland would build momentum and help consolidate the team's tactical identity ahead of those higher-stakes events. India will be eager to go beyond the pool stage and test themselves against the tournament's top sides.

India's 20-member squad — FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup 2025-26:
Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Ishika Chaudhary, Lalthantluangi, Shilpi Dabas, Jyoti, Nikki Pradhan
Midfielders: Salima Tete (c), Neha, Sunelita Toppo, Sakshi Rana, Deepika Soreng, Sonam, Lalremsiami
Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Ishika, Annu