Salima Tete to Lead India as Hockey India Announces Squad for Women’s Asian Champions Trophy

New Delhi, November 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Hockey India on Tuesday announced the Indian squad for the Madhya Pradesh Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Bhopal 2026, scheduled to be held from November 19 to 28 at the newly built International Sports Complex in Nathu Barkheda, Bhopal.

Midfielder Salima Tete will continue to lead the team as India prepare for their first international tournament since winning gold at the Asian Games in Japan last month. Veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia, who captained India during the Asian Games triumph, has not been included. Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam will handle the goalkeeping duties.

India enter the competition as defending champions and three-time winners, having claimed the title in 2016, 2023 and 2024. The six-team tournament will also feature China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and South Korea, who have also won the title three times.

The teams will play each other once in a round-robin league, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals. India will open their campaign against Malaysia after the opening ceremony on November 19. They will face South Korea on November 21, Thailand on November 22, China on November 24 and Japan on November 25. The semi-finals are scheduled for November 27, followed by the medal matches on November 28.

Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne said the tournament would provide an opportunity for other players to showcase their talent and perform in different positions. “We are excited to play in front of the home crowd and finish the year well,” he said.

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey described the tournament as an opportunity to build on the momentum of the Asian Games triumph. Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh also expressed confidence in the team, saying the players would aim to maintain their winning momentum.

India squad:

• 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 (captain), Neha, Sakshi Rana, Baljeet Kaur, Ishika

• Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Beauty Dungdung, Lalremsiami, Mumtaz Khan