Salima Tete to captain India's 20-member squad at Asian Games 2026
Synopsis
Fresh off an unbeaten FIH Nations Cup triumph, India's women's hockey team heads to Japan for the Asian Games with Salima Tete retaining the captaincy. Two Nations Cup debutants — Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas — have earned their spots, signalling a generational shift in a squad that blends youth with Padma Shri-honoured experience.
Key Takeaways
Hockey India announced the 20-member Indian Women's Hockey Team for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 on 10 July .
Salima Tete retains the captaincy after leading India to the FIH Nations Cup title in New Zealand .
Padma Shri awardee Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam are the two named goalkeepers.
Debutants Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas retained their places after strong Nations Cup performances.
The Asian Games are scheduled from 19 September to 4 October 2026 in Japan .
Hockey India on Friday, 10 July named a 20-member Indian Women's Hockey Team for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, scheduled to be held in Japan from 19 September to 4 October 2026. Salima Tete will continue as captain, having steered the side to the FIH Nations Cup title in New Zealand last month.
Goalkeepers and Key Selections
Padma Shri awardee Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam have been named as the two goalkeepers. The squad reflects a deliberate blend of youth and experience, with two players — Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas — earning their places after impressive senior debuts at the FIH Nations Cup.
Squad Breakdown
The defence is anchored by Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Ishika Chaudhary, and Jyoti, alongside the two debutants who shone during India's unbeaten Nations Cup run. In midfield, captain Salima Tete will be supported by Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Neha, and Deepika Soreng. The forward line features Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, and Beauty Dungdung.
What the Coach Said
Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne expressed confidence in the selected group. 'We have a group in which we have a nice balance between juniors, experienced players and seniors who are constantly working to get the best out of each other,' he said. Marijne added: 'This group of players has shown that they have the right form and fitness in recent months. We are confident that this team is ready for the challenge at the Asian Games.'
Context and What's at Stake
India's women's hockey team arrives at the Asian Games on the back of strong recent form, having completed an unbeaten run to win the FIH Nations Cup. The Asian Games — one of the most prestigious multi-sport events in the continent — will be a key benchmark for the squad ahead of future international cycles. A strong performance in Aichi-Nagoya could further consolidate India's standing among Asia's top women's hockey nations.
Full squad details are as follows — Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam. Defenders: Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas. Midfielders: Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (C), Neha, Deepika Soreng. Forwards: Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Beauty Dungdung.
Point of View
Despite the competitive midfield options available, reflects a continuity-first philosophy under Marijne. The real test is whether this balance of youth and experience can translate Nations Cup momentum into Asian Games hardware — a tournament where India's women have historically punched below their weight against rivals like South Korea and Japan on home soil.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will captain India's women's hockey team at the Asian Games 2026?
Salima Tete will captain the Indian Women's Hockey Team at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026. She previously led the side to the FIH Nations Cup title in New Zealand.
When and where are the 20th Asian Games being held?
The 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 are scheduled to be held in Japan from 19 September to 4 October 2026.
Who are the goalkeepers in India's Asian Games hockey squad?
Savita, a recent Padma Shri awardee, and Bichu Devi Kharibam have been named as the two goalkeepers in the 20-member squad.
Which new players have been included in the squad?
Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas, who made their senior debuts at the FIH Nations Cup, have been retained in the squad after strong performances during India's unbeaten run in that tournament.
What is the recent form of the Indian Women's Hockey Team?
India won the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand last month with an unbeaten run, providing strong momentum heading into the Asian Games.
