Salima Tete to captain Indian team at 2026 Womens Hockey World Cup

On Friday, Hockey India announced a 20-member Indian women's hockey squad in Hyderabad for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026. Midfielder Salima Tete has been named the captain of the national team, which is scheduled to compete in the joint-hosted tournament from August 15 to 30, 2026.

The selected squad is currently training at a national camp in Bengaluru. The team enters the World Cup following an unbeaten, title-winning campaign at the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand last month. Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne described the squad as a well-balanced group of experienced campaigners and promising young players who impressed during their recent international assignments.

The 20-member squad features goalkeepers Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam. The defensive lineup consists of Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, and Shilpi Dabas.

Joining captain Salima Tete in the midfield are Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Neha, and Deepika Soreng. The forward line includes Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, and Beauty Dungdung.

Speaking about the selection, Chief Coach Marijne said, "We have chosen a well-balanced group of players who are ready for the big challenges we will face this summer. The team has worked hard in the lead-up to the tournament and we are confident in this group’s abilities. We look forward to competing against the best teams in the world and showcasing our hockey on the biggest stage."

India has been drawn in Pool D for the tournament, alongside China, England, and South Africa. The team will play all of its pool-stage matches at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, the Netherlands.

The Indian team will open its World Cup campaign against China on August 16. This opening match will be followed by pool-stage games against South Africa on August 18 and England on August 20.