Hockey India announces 26-member women’s squad for Australia tour
Hockey India announces 26-member women’s squad for Australia tour

Summary

Hockey India has announced a 26-member women’s team led by Salima Tete and Navneet Kaur for a five-match tour of Australia, serving as a key prep for the 2024-25 FIH Pro League.

NEW DELHI: Hockey India announces 26-member Indian Women’s Hockey Team for the upcoming Australia tour, scheduled from 26th April to 4th May 2025 at Perth Hockey Stadium. The tour will feature five matches — two against Australia A and three against the senior Australian team.

Dynamic midfielder Salima Tete will lead the team as Captain, with experienced forward Navneet Kaur appointed as Vice-Captain. The tour will serve as vital preparation ahead of the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25 in June.

 

 

Blend of Experience and Fresh Faces

 

Veteran goalkeeper Savita and rising star Bichu Devi Kharibam will guard the goalposts, ensuring a solid last line of defence.

 

The defensive unit features Jyoti Singh, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Sujata Kujur, Suman Devi Thoudam, Jyoti, Ajmina Kujur, and Sakshi Rana, combining seasoned names and new talent.

 

The midfield is anchored by Salima Tete, supported by Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Sharmila Devi, Manisha Chauhan, Sunelita Toppo, Mahima Tete, Pooja Yadav, and Lalremsiami—adding both skill and depth.

 

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Up front, the attack will be led by Navneet Kaur, joined by Deepika, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Mumtaz Khan, Baljeet Kaur, Deepika Soreng, and Beauty Dungdung.

 

Five players — Jyoti Singh, Sujata Kujur, Ajmina Kujur, Pooja Yadav, and Mahima Tete — are set to potentially make their senior team debut, marking an exciting transition for Indian hockey’s next generation.

 

Standby players include Bansari Solanki (goalkeeper), Anjana Dundung, Lalthantluangi (defenders), Sakshi Shukla, Khaidem Shileima Chanu (midfielders) and Dipi Monika Toppo, Sonam (forwards).

 

 

Quote Highlight – Head Coach Harendra Singh:

 

 

“This tour to Australia is an important opportunity for us to test our skills and strategies against top-level competition. We’ve selected a balanced squad that combines experience with fresh energy.”

“It’s great to see young players earning their spots through consistent performances in national level tournaments and senior camps. It will be exciting to see how they adapt and rise to the challenge at the international level.”

“We’ve had a solid block of training at the national camp in Bengaluru, and the team is in good shape—both mentally and physically. Playing against Australia A and the Hockeyroos will help us fine-tune our game before the European leg of the FIH Pro League.”

“We are in the process of strengthening key areas such as fitness, decision-making, and building a resilient mentality that allows us to stay composed and competitive in high-pressure situations.”

“We aim to maintain the fighting spirit we showed in the Pro League recently.”