Excitement builds in Hyderabad as the Indian women’s hockey team gets set for the FIH World Cup 2026 Qualifier. Hockey India named Salima Tete as captain of the 20-strong squad on Sunday, with the event running March 8-14 in the host city.
Competing teams include powerhouses like England and Korea, plus Scotland, Italy, Uruguay, Wales, Austria, and of course, India. Three qualification berths are up for grabs for the Belgium-Netherlands World Cup. Pools are drawn: Pool A (England, Korea, Italy, Austria) and Pool B (India, Scotland, Uruguay, Wales).
The squad’s backbone is robust. Bichu Devi Kharibam and Bansari Solanki guard the goal. Defense features stalwarts Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nikki Pradhan, Manisha Chauhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary. Midfield control rests with Tete, alongside Neha, Sunita Toppo, Sakshi Rana, Vaishnavi Falke, Rutuja Pisal, Deepika Soreng.
Attackers Navneet Kaur, Ishika, Lalremsiami, Beauty Dungdung, Baljeet Kaur, Annu bring the firepower. This mix promises dynamic play.
Fresh coach Shourd Marin is confident: ‘We’re building cohesion through fitness drills and strategic sessions. Roles are clear. Practice matches here will fine-tune our preparations.’
India’s schedule: Uruguay (March 8), Scotland (March 9), Wales (March 11). With Salima Tete’s tactical acumen and home support, India eyes a triumphant path to the World Cup, building on recent domestic successes and international promise.