Hockey India announces 31-member squad for Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp

Hockey India on Monday announced that the Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp will be held from April 1 to 9, 2026, as the Indian women’s hockey team begins preparations for a crucial international season.

The team heads into the camp on the back of a strong performance at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Hyderabad, Telangana, where it secured a silver medal and qualified for the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026.

The upcoming camp will focus on building team combinations, improving fitness levels and sharpening tactical aspects as the side continues to take shape under new coach Sjoerd Marijne.

India faces a busy calendar in the coming months, starting with the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2026 in June, followed by the World Cup in August and the 2026 Asian Games scheduled from September 19 to October 4.

The goalkeeping unit for the camp includes Savita, Madhuri Kindo, Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam, who was recently honoured with the Hockey India Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year.

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The defensive line-up features experienced names such as Nikki Pradhan and Udita, alongside Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Singh, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti and Shilpi Dabas.

In midfield, captain Salima Tete will lead the group that includes Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Manisha Chauhan, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke and Neha. They are joined by emerging players such as Sakshi Rana, who received the Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year, along with Sunelita Toppo and Ishika.

The forward line features several attacking options, including Navneet Kaur, winner of the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year (Women), along with Deepika, Lalremsiami, Mumtaz Khan, Deepika Soreng, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Baljeet Kaur, Annu, Beauty Dungdung, Hina Bano, Sonam and Sangita Kumari, who is currently in rehabilitation.

Speaking about the camp, Marijne said it would be an important step in the team’s preparations.

“This camp is the next step in our preparations for a very competitive season ahead. Our focus will be on improving consistency, refining our structures, and ensuring that we are physically and mentally ready for the challenges ahead. We want to build a squad that can perform under pressure and deliver in key moments during major tournaments like the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup and Asian Games,” he said.

Published on Mar 30, 2026