- Hockey India named a 20-player squad for the Women's Asia Cup 2025, to be held from September 5 to 14 in Hangzhou, China
- Salima Tete will be captain; goalkeepers consist of Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam
- The team consists of a perfect blend of youngsters and experience
Hockey India on Thursday announced the 20-strong side for the Women's Asia Cup 2025, which will be held from September 5-14 in Hangzhou, China.
Salima Tete will lead the team, with a great mix of experience and youth. There is depth at goalkeeper in Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam, while defence will be led by senior hands Nikki Pradhan and Udita, assisted by young guns Manisha Chauhan, Jyoti, Suman Devi Thoudam, and Ishika Chaudhary.
The midfield department has Neha, Captain Salima Tete, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Sunelita Toppo, and Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke playing together, combining creativity with solidity.
The forward department has a mix of experienced names and young blood, Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Deepika, Beauty Dungdung, and Rutaja Dadaso Pisal making up the forward line.
Head coach Harendra Singh was optimistic about the team, saying, "We are looking forward to seeing the squad of players chosen for the Women's Asia Cup in Hangzhou.
The players have put in a lot of hard work and we have attempted to balance the side with the correct combination of old warhorses and new blood. We will be traveling with an attacking but structured mindset, and we feel this team is good enough to take on the crème de la crème of Asia."
He further added that the tournament is vital as the winning team will qualify straight for the 2026 FIH Women's Hockey World Cup. "All matches will require composure, fitness, and tactical discipline. The team is extremely keen, and we hope that we will be able to make the nation proud," he added.
India, seeded in Pool B, will play Japan, Thailand, and Singapore. The campaign starts on September 5 against Thailand, then against Japan on September 6, and then wraps up the pool round against Singapore on September 8.
