FIH Women’s World Cup 2026: Salima Tete Named Captain as India Announces 20-Member Squad
Hockey India today, July 17, 2026, announced the 20-member Indian Women's Hockey Team squad for the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup 2026 in Belgium and Netherlands. Led by Salima Tete and coached by Sjoerd Marijne, the team is in Pool D with China, England, and South Africa. Their campaign kicks off on August 16 against China, following their recent unbeaten.
Hockey India today, July 17, 2026, officially unveiled the 20-member Indian Women's Hockey Team squad poised to compete at the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup 2026. The much-anticipated announcement sees dynamic midfielder Salima Tete take the captain's armband, with the team preparing to showcase their mettle on the global stage in Belgium and the Netherlands. Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne has expressed confidence in the selected group, describing it as a well-balanced unit ready for the challenges ahead. India Women Hockey Squad for Asian Games 2026 Announced: Salima Tete Named Captain; Baljeet Kaur and Beauty Dungdung Included.
India Squad For FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026
The Journey to the World Cup Begins! 🇮🇳🏑
Presenting the Indian Women’s Squad for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026. 💙
A team ready to take on the world, driven by belief, determination and the dream of bringing home hockey’s ultimate prize. 🇮🇳🏆
All the… pic.twitter.com/80F7S59MCo
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) July 17, 2026
The prestigious quadrennial tournament is scheduled to run from August 14 to 30, 2026, with matches to be played across two iconic venues: Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, and Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium.
Squad Breakdown
The announced squad features a strong combination of seasoned players and emerging talent. Veteran goalkeeper Savita, who recently received the Padma Shri, will share goalkeeping duties with Bichu Devi Kharibam. The defensive line is bolstered by Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, and Shilpi Dabas.
Captain Salima Tete will marshal the midfield alongside Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Neha, and Deepika Soreng. The forward line, tasked with breaching opposition defenses, includes Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, and Beauty Dungdung.
Indian Women's Hockey Squad for FIH Hockey Women's World Cup 2026
| Position | Player Names |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam |
| Defenders | Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas |
| Midfielders | Salima Tete (C), Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Neha, Deepika Soreng |
| Forwards | Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Beauty Dungdung |
Tournament Outlook and Recent Form
India has been drawn into Pool D, where they will face formidable opponents in China, England, and South Africa. The Indian contingent will kick off their World Cup campaign against China on August 16, 2026, followed by clashes against South Africa on August 18 and England on August 20. All of India's pool-stage matches are scheduled to be held at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands. India Clinches FIH Nations Cup 2025-26 Title, Returns to Women's Hockey Pro League.
The team enters the World Cup with significant momentum, having recently clinched the FIH Women's Nations Cup 2025-26 title. Their unbeaten run in New Zealand, culminating in a dominant 2-0 victory over hosts New Zealand in the final, saw them secure promotion back to the FIH Pro League for the 2026-27 season. This impressive performance, which included a 3-2 win against Uruguay in the group stage and a commanding 6-0 triumph over Chile in the semi-finals, has instilled a renewed sense of confidence within the squad.
With preparations in full swing at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru, the Indian team is eager to translate their recent success into a strong performance at the World Cup, aiming to make a significant impact on the international hockey scene.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2026 12:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
