In preparation for the forthcoming Women’s Asia Cup 2025, the Indian women’s team departed for Hangzhou, China, on Saturday. Salima Tete, the captain of the 20-member squad, is hoping to win the competition in order to guarantee India’s place at the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 the following year.
“This tournament is a really good opportunity for us to secure our spot for the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup next year, and we are focusing on that,” Salima remarked in reference to the forthcoming competition. Right now, winning our pool and making it to the Super Fours is our primary priority. After that, we’ll approach each match as it comes and work to win the title.”
Goalkeepers Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam offer depth beneath the post, and the team has a well-balanced combination of youth and experience.
Experienced women like Nikki Pradhan and Udita will lead the defense, with youthful players Manisha Chauhan, Jyoti, Suman Devi Thoudam, and Ishika Chaudhary providing support.
Strong midfield players like Neha, captain Salima Tete, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Sunelita Toppo, and Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke provide both innovation and consistency for the team. The offensive line consists of a mix of up-and-coming talent and seasoned fighters: Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Mumtaz Khan, Deepika, Beauty Dungdung, Navneet Kaur, and Sangita Kumari.
India is set to play Japan, Thailand, and Singapore in the group stage after being put into Pool B. On September 5, they will play Thailand to begin their campaign. On September 6, they will play Japan, and on September 8, they will play Singapore in their last pool-stage encounter.
The Women’s Asia Cup was won by India twice, in 2004 and 2017. India placed third in the tournament during the previous iteration of the event.
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