New Delhi [India], August 21 (ANI): Hockey India on Thursday introduced the 20-member Indian Women’s Hockey Team for the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China, from September 5 to 14.
The event holds added significance because the winner of the Women’s Asia Cup will earn a direct qualification for the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026, making it a vital occasion within the worldwide hockey calendar, as per a press launch from Hockey India.
India has been drawn in Pool B, the place they may face Japan, Thailand, and Singapore. The crew will open their marketing campaign in opposition to Thailand on fifth September, adopted by a conflict with Japan on sixth September. India will play their closing pool-stage match in opposition to Singapore on eighth September.
The squad, which can be led by Salima Tete, includes a balanced mixture of youth and expertise, with goalkeepers Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam offering depth beneath the publish. The defence unit can be marshalled by skilled gamers like Nikki Pradhan and Udita, supported by kids Manisha Chauhan, Jyoti, Suman Devi Thoudam, and Ishika Chaudhary.
In the midfield, the crew boasts robust names corresponding to Neha, Captain Salima Tete, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Sunelita Toppo, and Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, guaranteeing each creativity and stability. The ahead line features a mix of seasoned campaigners and rising stars — Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Deepika, Beauty Dungdung, and Rutaja Dadaso Pisal.
Speaking on the squad, Indian Women’s Team chief coach Harendra Singh mentioned as quoted by Hockey India press launch, ‘We are excited concerning the squad we now have chosen for the Women’s Asia Cup in Hangzhou. The group has been coaching with nice depth, and we now have tried to strike the suitable stability between skilled campaigners and younger expertise. Our focus can be on enjoying an aggressive and disciplined model of hockey, and we consider this crew has the aptitude to compete strongly in opposition to the most effective in Asia.’
He additional added, ‘The Women’s Asia Cup isn’t solely a prestigious continental championship but in addition a direct qualifying occasion for the 2026 FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup. With the winner incomes an automated berth, the stakes are extraordinarily excessive. Every match will check our composure, health, and tactical execution. The gamers are motivated to rise to the event, and we’re assured of delivering performances that make India proud.’
India’s Squad for Women’s Asia Cup 2025:
Goalkeepers:
1. Bansari Solanki2. Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders:
3. Manisha Chauhan4. Udita5. Jyoti6. Suman Devi Thoudam7. Nikki Pradhan8. Ishika Chaudhary
Midfielders:
9. Neha10. Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke11. Salima Tete12. Sharmila Devi13. Lalremsiami14. Sunelita Toppo
Forwards:
15. Navneet Kaur16. Rutaja Dadaso Pisal17. Beauty Dungdung18. Mumtaz Khan19. Deepika20. Sangita Kumari. (ANI)