India has announced a 26-player squad of women's hockey for the upcoming Australia tour. Salima Tete will be captaining the team, with five players making their debut in the tournament. Navneet Kaur, an experienced forward, will serve as vice captain. Savita, a seasoned goalie, and Bichu Devi Kharibam, a promising prodigy, will share responsibilities to gain a strong backline. The Australia tour will take place between 26th April to 4th May 2025 at Perth Hockey Stadium. There will be two matches vs Australia A and 3 matches vs Australia (senior team).
The team's defence will be a mix of experience and young hockey players, with Jyoti Singh, Suman Devi Thoudam, Jyoti, Ajmina Kujur, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Sujata Kujur, and Sakshi Rana on the roster. Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Deepika Soreng, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Mumtaz Khan, Baljeet Kaur, and Beauty Dungdung make up the forward line. Salima Tete will lead the midfield alongside Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Sharmila Devi, Manisha Chauhan, Sunelita Toppo, Mahima Tete, Pooja Yadav, and Lalremsiami, bringing depth and dynamism across the pitch.
Five players all set for their debut with the senior team squad
The 26-player squad will have five players, Jyoti Singh, Pooja Yadav, Sujata Kujur, Ajmina Kujur, and Mahima Tete, making their debut with the senior national team. India has also released the names of standby players- Bansari Solanki (goalkeeper), Sakshi Shukla and Khaidem Shileima Chanu (midfielders), Anjana Dundung and Lalthantluangi (defenders), and Dipi Monika Toppo and Sonam (forwards).
Chief Coach Harendra Singh mentioned how this upcoming series is important for the national hockey team to be prepared for the European leg of the FIH Pro League. “This tour is a crucial step for us to test our strategies and measure ourselves against top-tier opponents. We’ve put together a well-balanced squad, blending experience with new talent. It’s encouraging to see young players coming through on the back of strong performances at national competitions and training camps," he said.
“The team has had quality preparation time at the national camp in Bengaluru. Facing Australia A and the Hockeyroos will allow us to sharpen our skills before the European leg of the FIH Pro League. Our focus remains on key areas such as fitness, smart decision-making, and building mental resilience to handle high-pressure matches. We want to continue the fighting spirit we showed in recent Pro League games," he further added.
