Salima Tete to Captain India's 20-Member Women's Hockey Squad for Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026

New Delhi, July 10, 2026: Hockey India on Friday announced the 20-member Indian Women's Hockey Team for the upcoming 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, scheduled to be held in Japan from September 19 to October 4.

Salima Tete will continue to lead the side after captaining India to the FIH Nations Cup title in New Zealand last month. The squad features a balanced mix of experienced campaigners and emerging young talent as India targets success at the continental event.

"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," said Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne while sharing his thoughts on the selected squad.

Balanced Squad Across All Departments

Veteran goalkeeper Savita, who was recently conferred the Padma Shri, has been named alongside Bichu Devi Kharibam as India's two goalkeepers for the tournament.

The defensive unit includes Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Ishika Chaudhary and Jyoti, while Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas retain their places after impressing on their senior debut during India's unbeaten title-winning campaign at the FIH Nations Cup.

Captain Salima Tete will marshal the midfield alongside Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Neha and Deepika Soreng, providing both experience and energy in the centre of the pitch.

The forward line features Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur and Beauty Dungdung, giving India multiple attacking options heading into the Asian Games.

"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," Marijne added.

India Women's Hockey Squad for Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026

Goalkeepers

• Savita
• Bichu Devi Kharibam

Defenders

• Ishika Chaudhary
• Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam
• Lalthantluangi
• Jyoti
• Shilpi Dabas

Midfielders

• Salima Tete (Captain)
• Nikki Pradhan
• Sakshi Rana
• Sunelita Toppo
• Neha
• Deepika Soreng

Forwards

• Lalremsiami
• Rutuja Dadaso Pisal
• Navneet Kaur
• Deepika
• Ishika
• Baljeet Kaur
• Beauty Dungdung

India will begin its campaign at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 with the objective of securing another strong finish on the continental stage after recent success at the FIH Nations Cup.

(Inputs from Press Release)