Hockey India Announces 40-Player Squad for Senior Women’s National Camp Ahead of Asia Cup

Bengaluru: Hockey India has announced a 40-member core group of probables for the upcoming Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp, which will be held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru from July 21 to August 29.

The camp is a crucial step in India’s preparation for the Women’s Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to begin on September 5 in Hangzhou, China. This tournament is particularly important as it serves as a direct qualifier for the 2026 FIH Women’s World Cup — with only the winner earning an automatic berth.

All players from the previous national camp have been retained, showing the coaching team’s commitment to consistency and long-term development.

The goalkeeping unit includes experienced names like Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki, and Madhuri Kindo, as well as rising star Samiksha Saxena from Assam, who stood out in the National Championships earlier this year.

The defensive lineup features veterans such as Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Udita, and Mahima Chaudhary, along with promising newcomers like Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Chhatri, Anjna Dungdung, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, and Suman Devi Thoudam.

In midfield, seasoned players including Neha, Salima Tete, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Manisha Chauhan, and Sharmila Devi will be joined by fresh talents like Sujata Kujur, Mahima Tete, Albela Rani Toppo, and Pooja Yadav.

The forward line boasts a powerful mix of agility, speed, and finishing skills, featuring players such as Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Deepika Soreng, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Mumtaz Khan, Beauty Dungdung, Annu, Hritika Singh, Dipimonika Toppo, Chandana Jagadish, and Kajal Sadashiv Atpadkar.

The Indian team is aiming to bounce back from a challenging FIH Pro League campaign in Europe, where results did not meet expectations. The camp offers a chance for the team to reset and refocus ahead of a vital continental competition.

Chief Coach Harendra Singh said, “This camp comes at a pivotal moment. The Asia Cup is not only a prestigious tournament but also a direct gateway to the 2026 World Cup. We're approaching this camp with complete intensity and focus so that we’re fully prepared — physically and mentally — for Hangzhou.”

He added, “We’ve kept the core group from the last camp to ensure consistency, while continuing to integrate younger players. After our tough run in Europe, this is an opportunity to recalibrate. We've also identified key areas to improve, especially in penalty corner defence, which was a concern in the Pro League.”

“The team energy is strong, and the players are aware of what’s at stake. Each training session will be used to fine-tune our strategies, improve decision-making under pressure, and strengthen overall team chemistry,” he concluded.

India’s 40-member core group for the camp:

Goalkeepers:
Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki, Madhuri Kindo, Samiksha Saxena.

Defenders:
Mahima Chaudhary, Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Chhatri, Jyoti, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Anjna Dungdung, Suman Devi Thoudam.

Midfielders:
Sujata Kujur, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Salima Tete, Manisha Chauhan, Ajmina Kujur, Sunelita Toppo, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Baljeet Kaur, Mahima Tete, Albela Rani Toppo, Pooja Yadav.

Forwards:
Dipimonika Toppo, Hritika Singh, Deepika Soreng, Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Beauty Dungdung, Mumtaz Khan, Annu, Chandana Jagadish, Kajal Sadashiv Atpadkar.

With inputs from IANS