After the Nations Cup victory in New Zealand, the Asian Games in Japan will be a real test for India’s chief national women’s hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne.  

India’s experienced skipper Salima Tete will lead the national women’s hockey team at the Japan Asian Games starting September 19. The Hockey India announced a 20-member Indian women hockey squad on Friday. The Asian Games will be a real test for the Indian hockey squad as the winner of the continental games will get an automatic berth for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The main rival will be the formidable Chinese team.

“We have a nice balance between juniors, experienced players and seniors who are constantly working to get the best out of each other,” chief national women’s hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne said.

Savita, who recently received the Padma Shri award, and Bichu Devi Kharibam have been named as the two goalkeepers in the squad.

“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,” the chief coach added.

India’s 20-member squad for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026

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 Dungdung5,000m silver and bronze

EOM