New Delhi [India], November 10 (ANI): Hockey India on Tuesday introduced the Indian squad for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Bhopal 2026, scheduled to be held from November 19 to twenty-eight on the newly constructed International Sports Complex, Nathu Barkheda, Bhopal.Â
Midfielder Salima Tete will proceed to steer the Indian group, taking part in its first worldwide event after the historic gold medal triumph on the Asian Games in Japan final month.
The hosts will enter the event as defending champions and three-time winners, having secured the title in 2016, 2023 and 2024. India can be aiming to proceed their spectacular run and full a hat-trick of titles, whereas constructing on the boldness gained from their Asian Games success.Â
The six-team competitors will characteristic India, China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and South Korea. Like India, South Korea has additionally received the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 3 times.
The event will comply with a round-robin format, with every group taking part in the opposite 5 as soon as. The high 4 groups on the finish of the league stage will qualify for the semi-finals.
“This is the moment I want to give other players the chance to showcase their talent on the international stage. Some players will be playing in different positions than they normally do, so that I can see how they perform in a different role,” stated Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne. “We are excited to play in front of the home crowd and finish the year well.”Â
The opening day will see Asia’s top-ranked group China tackle Thailand within the event opener, whereas India will start their marketing campaign in opposition to Malaysia following the opening ceremony on the identical day. The Indian group will then face South Korea on November 21, Thailand on November 22, China on November 24 and Japan on November 25.
The semi-finals can be performed on November 27 and the medal matches on November 28.Â
With the house crowd behind them, the Indian group will look to ship one other sturdy efficiency and proceed their profitable momentum.
“The Madhya Pradesh Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Bhopal 2026 is an important opportunity for our team to carry forward the momentum of their historic Asian Games triumph,” stated Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey. “Playing in front of home supporters will be a great motivation, and I am confident the players will put up a strong performance and make the country proud.”
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh additionally wished the group success within the event. “We are delighted that Madhya Pradesh is set to host some of Asia’s finest hockey teams. Our women’s team has had an outstanding year, highlighted by their Asian Games gold medal, and this tournament offers another opportunity to showcase their quality.
As defending champions, the team will be determined to maintain its winning momentum. We look forward to an exciting competition and strong support from hockey fans across Madhya Pradesh,” stated the Secretary General.
Here’s the total squad: Bansari Solanki, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Nikki Pradhan, Jyoti, Jyoti Singh, Sushila Chanu, Lalthantluangi, Pooja Sahoo, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (c), Neha, Sakshi Rana, Baljeet Kaur, Ishika, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Beauty Dungdung, Lalremsiami, Mumtaz Khan. (ANI)