Salima Tete has been named captain of the 20-member Indian women’s hockey team at the Asian Games 2026, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.
Hockey India (HI) announced the squad for the continental showpiece on Friday, retaining Salima as captain after she guided the team to the FIH Nations Cup title last month, ensuring promotion back to the Pro League next season.
The women’s hockey tournament at the Asian Games 2026 will be played at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara from September 18 to October 2.
It will also double up as an Asian qualifier for the LA 2028 Olympics, with the winner securing a berth to the next Summer Games in the USA.
India’s Asian Games 2026 women’s hockey squad
- Goalkeepers: Savita Punia, 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 Hmarzote, Rutuja Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Beauty Dungdung
The selected squad features a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talent, with HI rewarding several players who impressed during the FIH Nations Cup campaign in New Zealand.
Veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia, who was recently conferred the Padma Shri, headlines the goalkeeping department alongside Bichu Devi Kharibam.
Savita was the captain of the Indian women’s hockey team, which had secured a bronze from the Hangzhou 2023 – the most recent edition of the Asian Games.
The defensive unit includes seasoned campaigner Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam and Jyoti, while Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas retained their places after making their senior international debuts during India’s unbeaten run to the FIH Nations Cup title.
Salima will marshal the midfield alongside experienced Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Neha and Deepika Soreng.
India’s attack will be spearheaded by Lalremsiami Hmarzote, Navneet Kaur and Deepika, with Rutuja Pisal, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur and Beauty Dungdung completing the forward line.
“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,” chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said.
The Indian women’s hockey team has won one gold, two silver and four bronze medals at the Asian Games, with their solitary gold coming at New Delhi 1982. The 1982 edition was the first time women’s hockey was played at the continental meet.
READ MORE: https://www.olympics.com/en/news/india-asian-games-2026-women-hockey-team-squad-full-list
