Hockey India announces India squad for Women’s Asia Cup 2025

August 21, 2025

Hockey India on Thursday announced the 20-member Indian Women’s Hockey Team for the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China, from September 5 to 14.

The tournament holds added significance as the winner of the Women’s Asia Cup will earn a direct qualification for the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026, making it a crucial event in the international hockey calendar, as per a press release from Hockey India.

India has been drawn in Pool B, where they will face Japan, Thailand, and Singapore. The team will open their campaign against Thailand on 5th September, followed by a clash with Japan on 6th September. India will play their final pool-stage match against Singapore on 8th September.

The squad, which will be led by Salima Tete, features a balanced mix of youth and experience, with goalkeepers Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam providing depth under the post. The defence unit will be marshalled by experienced players like Nikki Pradhan and Udita, supported by youngsters Manisha Chauhan, Jyoti, Suman Devi Thoudam, and Ishika Chaudhary.

In the midfield, the team boasts strong names such as Neha, Captain Salima Tete, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Sunelita Toppo, and Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, ensuring both creativity and stability. The forward line includes a blend of seasoned campaigners and rising stars — Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Deepika, Beauty Dungdung, and Rutaja Dadaso Pisal.

Road to the FIH Women’s World Cup 2026 𝐁𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄! 🙌

Salima Tete and Co. is ready to take on the Asian might at the Women’s Asia Cup Gongshu 2025

🗓: September 5–14
🏟: Hangzhou, China
📺: https://t.co/6syXfLmcKQ#HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame #HumSeHaiHockey pic.twitter.com/NTr62i15dA

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 21, 2025