Salima Tete to lead Indian women's hockey team at Asia Cup in Hangzhou

NEW DELHI: Seasoned midfielder Salima Tete has been retained as captain of the 20-member Indian women’s hockey team for the upcoming Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China, from September 5 to 14.

The tournament carries added importance as the winner will secure a direct qualification spot for the 2026 FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup.India has been placed in Pool B, alongside Japan, Thailand, and Singapore. The team will begin its campaign against Thailand on September 5, before facing Japan the next day. Their final pool-stage encounter will be against Singapore on September 8.

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"We are excited about the squad we have selected for the women’s Asia Cup in Hangzhou," Chief Coach Harendra Singh said in a Hockey India release.The 23-year-old Salima, who was handed the captaincy last year, has since become an integral part of the national setup."The group has been training with great intensity, and we have tried to strike the right balance between experienced campaigners and young talent," Singh said."Our focus will be on playing an aggressive and disciplined brand of hockey, and we believe this team has the capability to compete strongly against the best in Asia," he added.

Emphasising the stakes, Singh said the side cannot afford a mis-step in any of the matches."Every match will test our composure, fitness, and tactical execution. The players are motivated to rise to the occasion, and we are confident of delivering performances that make India proud."The squad 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, Salima, 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.However, experienced players Savita and Sushila Chanu, who were part of the European leg of the FIH Pro League are not part of this squad.India's Squad for women's Asia Cup:GOALKEEPERS: 1. Bansari Solanki, 2. Bichu Devi KharibamDEFENDERS: 3. Manisha Chauhan, 4. Udita, 5. Jyoti, 6. Suman Devi Thoudam, 7. Nikki Pradhan, 8. Ishika ChaudharyMIDFIELDERS: 9. Neha, 10. Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, 11. Salima Tete, 12. Sharmila Devi, 13. Lalremsiami, 14. Sunelita ToppoFORWARDS: 15. Navneet Kaur, 16. Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, 17. Beauty Dungdung, 18. Mumtaz Khan, 19. Deepika, 20. Sangita Kumari.