Last Updated: November 10, 2026
Last Updated: November 10, 2026
New Delhi: Hockey India have announced the Indian women’s hockey team for the Madhya Pradesh Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Bhopal 2026, which will be held from November 19-28 at the brand new International Sports Complex in Nathu Barkheda, Bhopal.
Salima Tete will captain the team for the first time in international competitions after the Indian team won gold at the Asian Games in Japan last month.
Savita Punia, the veteran goalkeeper who led India to gold at the Asian Games was not named in the squad. She scored a crucial penalty stroke save during the game against China to help India qualify directly to LA 2028.
Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam will man the goals.
India Defend Title
India will be defending champions this year as they have won the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy three times in the past – in 2016, 2023 and 2024.
The Indian team will look to continue their winning streak coming off the back of a successful Asian Games and aim to win the title again. South Korea have won the title three times.
There will be six teams competing in this tournament – India, China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and South Korea. The competition will be played in a round robin format, with each team playing the other five teams once. The top four teams will qualify for the semi finals.
Sjoerd Marijne On Squad
Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne explained that the tournament is a great opportunity to give other players some opportunities to show their talent internationally. Some players will also get an opportunity to play in different positions.
“This is the moment I want to give other players the chance to showcase their talent on the international stage. Some players will be playing in different positions than they normally do, so that I can see how they perform in a different role,” he said,
“We are very excited to play in front of our fans and we want to end the year on a high.”
India Fixtures
The tournament kicks off on November 19 with the top team in Asia, China face Thailand. India will play Malaysia to kick off their campaign.
India will also play the following games:
Hockey India Officials Support Team
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said the tournament is a great opportunity for the team to capitalise on their historic Asian Games gold.
“It’s going to be extra motivation to play in front of our fans. We’re confident they’ll play well.”
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh also wished the team well. He said they have had a great year and are confident they can defend their title.
India’s Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Bhopal 2026 Team
Goalkeepers: Bansari Solanki; Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Nikki Pradhan; Jyoti; Jyoti Singh; Sushila Chanu Lalthantluangi; Pooja Sahoo
Midfielders: Rutuja Dadaso Pisal; Sunelita Toppo; Salima Tete (C); Neha; Sakshi Rana; Baljeet Kaur; Ishika
Strikers: Navneet Kaur; Deepika; Beauty Dungdung; Lalremsiami; Mumtaz Khan
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