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Indian Women’s Hockey Team Gears Up for Australia Tour with 26-Member Squad

April 14, 2025
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Indian Women’s Hockey Team (Image: Hockey India)

Salima Tete to Captain, Navneet Kaur Named Vice-Captain for Five-Match Series in Perth

Hockey India has unveiled a 26-member Indian Women’s Hockey Team squad for the upcoming Australia tour, set to be held from 26th April to 4th May 2025 at Perth Hockey Stadium. The tour will consist of five matches, beginning with two games against Australia A, followed by three encounters with the senior Australian national team.

Midfield dynamo Salima Tete will lead the team, while seasoned forward Navneet Kaur has been appointed Vice-Captain. The tour is seen as a vital preparation phase ahead of the team’s participation in the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024–25 in June.

The goalkeeping responsibilities will be shared between veteran Savita and the promising Bichu Devi Kharibam, forming a solid foundation at the back.

India’s defence will feature a blend of experience and youth, with players like Jyoti Singh, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Sujata Kujur, Suman Devi Thoudam, Jyoti, Ajmina Kujur, and Sakshi Rana included in the lineup.

In midfield, skipper Salima Tete will anchor the unit alongside Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Sharmila Devi, Manisha Chauhan, Sunelita Toppo, Mahima Tete, Pooja Yadav, and Lalremsiami—providing depth and dynamism across the pitch.

The forward line is stacked with firepower, featuring Navneet Kaur, 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—have been rewarded with their first call-up to the senior national team and are expected to make their debut on this tour.

The list of standby players includes Bansari Solanki (goalkeeper), Anjana Dundung and Lalthantluangi (defenders), Sakshi Shukla and Khaidem Shileima Chanu (midfielders), and Dipi Monika Toppo and Sonam (forwards).

Speaking on the selection, Chief Coach Harendra Singh remarked, “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 further added, “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.”