Hockey India has announced a 26-member Indian Women’s Hockey Team for a crucial five-match tour of Australia, scheduled from April 26 to May 4 at the Perth Hockey Stadium.
The series will begin with two matches against Australia A, followed by three fixtures against the senior Australian team. The tour is seen as an important build-up to the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024–25 in June.
Dynamic midfielder Salima Tete will captain the squad, with experienced forward Navneet Kaur named vice-captain. Both are expected to play key roles in leading a squad that mixes seasoned internationals with fresh talent.
Hockey India has named goalkeepers Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam as the last line of defence. The defensive unit includes Jyoti Singh, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Sujata Kujur, Suman Devi Thoudam, Jyoti, Ajmina Kujur, and Sakshi Rana, bringing together a blend of experience and youth.
The midfield will be spearheaded by Tete, supported by Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Sharmila Devi, Manisha Chauhan, Sunelita Toppo, Mahima Tete, Pooja Yadav, and Lalremsiami, forming a core expected to drive the team’s tactical play.
India’s attack will feature 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 earned their maiden senior team call-ups, highlighting the depth emerging from domestic circuits.
“This tour to Australia is an important opportunity for us to test our skills and strategies against top-level competition,” said Harendra Singh, Chief Coach of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team.
“We’ve selected a balanced squad that combines experience with fresh energy. It will be exciting to see how the debutants adapt and rise to the challenge at the international level.”
He added that the team has had a productive training block at the national camp in Bengaluru. “We are working hard on fitness, decision-making, and building a resilient mentality.”
“Playing against Australia A and the Hockeyroos will help us fine-tune our game before the Pro League’s European leg.”
Hockey India also named seven standby players: Bansari Solanki (goalkeeper), Anjana Dundung and Lalthantluangi (defenders), Sakshi Shukla and Khaidem Shileima Chanu (midfielders), Dipi Monika Toppo and Sonam (forwards).
The squad is expected to depart for Perth in the coming weeks, aiming to sharpen form and combinations ahead of a packed international calendar.
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