The challenge ahead is significant. India are placed in a tough group that includes the host nation and world champions, the Netherlands. But this squad has shown it can compete, and the Nations Cup title is proof that tactical belief and conditioning are not in short supply.

While Marijne and his selectors finalise their twenty-man tournament roster, you have a chance to have your say.

Have Your Say: Build the 20-Player Squad

Use the Give Me Hockey Squad Selector below to choose your 20 players based on their positions. Balance your backline depth, choose your midfield anchors, and select the clinical goal-scorers who can find the net in Europe.

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Share and Debate Your Squad

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Tag us, share with your friends, and back up your selections in the comments. Know someone who has strong opinions on Indian women’s hockey? Send them this link—the more squads we see, the better the debate.

Missed the chance to build your men’s team? Check out our Men’s World Cup Squad Selector and pick your 20-member Indian team for the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup.

Never Miss a Tactical Deep Dive

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<p>The post You’re the Coach: Pick India’s 2026 Women’s World Cup Squad first appeared on Give Me Hockey.</p>

After a difficult start in Rourkela and an uneven set of results in Hobart, the European leg brought a genuine shift. Confidence-boosting wins over Germany and the Netherlands showed a team finding its defensive composure and rapid transitions at the perfect time. With the ultimate test in Amstelveen and Wavre now directly in sight, Coach Fulton’s vision is rounding into form.

While coaches and selectors work on finalising their twenty member squad, you have a chance to have your say.

Have Your Say: The 20-Member Roster

Use the Give Me Hockey Squad Selector below to pick your 20 players based on their positions. Balance your defence, lock in your midfield anchors, and select your clinical goal-scorers.

Share and Debate Your Squad

Once your roster is locked in, download your custom graphic and let the debate begin:

• Twitter/X: @hockeyind
• Instagram: @givemehockey_gmh
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Tag us, share with your friends, and back up your selections in the comments. Who makes your cut for the plane to Europe?

<p>The post You’re the Coach: Pick India’s 2026 Men’s World Cup Squad first appeared on Give Me Hockey.</p>

India sit eighth in the standings with 4 points from 8 matches, ahead of only Pakistan. The European leg takes them to Rotterdam to face Netherlands and Germany, before moving to London for matches against Pakistan and England.

The World Cup is the priority. Asian Games gold offers direct Olympic qualification for 2028. Both tournaments demand a squad that is fit, settled, and scoring goals. There is also an open question of peaking at the right moment, something India have struggled with before. Right now, India are 0 for 8 with the lowest goal tally in the league.

With the World Cup and Asian Games in mind, here are five things worth watching as India begin this leg.

1. Results Now or a Plan for August?

India have not won a single match this Pro League season. Eighth place, ahead of only Pakistan, with Netherlands, Germany, Pakistan, and England waiting in Rotterdam and London.

Go all out, chase a result, end the winless run, give the squad something to build confidence on heading into the World Cup. That is one option.

But there is history here that complicates it. At the 2023 World Cup, India beat Spain on day one, then faded over the following nine days, eventually losing on penalties to New Zealand in the crossover after leading 3-1 with nine minutes left. India peaked too early. By the time it mattered most, the sharpness was gone.

The European leg sits two months before the World Cup. If India go all out here purely to get a result, they risk being in a similar position come August, sharp now, faded later.

The honest tension is this. Does India use Rotterdam and London to build combinations, fitness, and tactics with August in mind? Or does a winless season demand a result now, even if it means peaking at the wrong time again?

Read More: Peaking at the Right Moment: The One Thing That Will Define India at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup

2. Where Are the Goals?

India have scored 9 goals in 8 matches this season, the lowest in the Pro League.

The forward line is the most obvious concern. Abhishek has played 7 matches and scored 0 goals. Sukhjeet Singh has played 3 and scored 0. Between them, India’s first-choice forwards have not found the net once this season.

Part of this could be a service problem. Watching India this season, the midfield has not consistently created chances for the forward line. If the ball is not getting to Abhishek and Sukhjeet in positions to score, the goal drought is not just a finishing issue, it becomes a question about how India build attacks through midfield.

Penalty corners tell a similar story. India have scored 4 PC goals from 21 attempts, a conversion rate of 19 percent. On its own, that is a respectable number. But when your forwards are not scoring from open play, the penalty corner unit needs to do more than be respectable. It needs to be the difference.

Read More: FIH Pro League: India’s Squad and Schedule for European Leg

3. If Not Harmanpreet, Then Who?

Penalty corner specialists hunt in pairs. Most top hockey nations have at least two recognised drag-flickers who can both occupy the top of the circle, giving the opposition two threats to defend rather than one.

India still relies overwhelmingly on Harmanpreet Singh. If he is off form, injured, or simply has a quiet day, the question becomes immediate: who else can step up?

Jugraj Singh has been the traditional second option but his numbers this season, 1 from 6, do not inspire confidence. Amandeep Lakra is an interesting case. He scored 9 goals in the Hockey India League for his franchise and 2 at the Junior World Cup, showing he has the ability. But he has played only 3 matches for India and is yet to convert at senior international level. Amit Rohidas can still contribute but mostly takes hits now rather than drag-flicks, a different kind of penalty corner threat altogether.

Rotterdam and London are an opportunity to find out if India has a genuine second option, or if Harmanpreet remains a one-man penalty corner unit heading into the World Cup.

4. Harmanpreet’s Form and Leadership in FIH Pro League

During India’s home leg of FIH Pro League in Rourkela, Harmanpreet Singh’s positioning was a concern. He was rarely visible in the frame during defensive sequences, raising questions about his role as the last line of defence. There was also a visible drop in how quickly he covered ground, a problem for a player whose entire role depends on being the last man back, covering spaces before attackers get there.

Harmanpreet then took personal time away from the squad and missed all four matches of the Hobart leg in Australia.

He returns as captain for the European leg. The question is which version of Harmanpreet shows up. The one whose positioning and pace were under scrutiny in Rourkela, or a sharper, more engaged defender and leader.

As captain, his presence on the pitch sets the tone for the rest of the side. Rotterdam and London will tell us a lot about where he stands.

5. The World Cup Audition

This is the last Pro League leg before the World Cup squad is announced. 22 players are in this squad. 18 will go to the World Cup. Four will not. The question is which 4 players will miss the World Cup bus. Here is how things look right now.

Several positions are settled. Harmanpreet, Amit Rohidas, Sumit, Sanjay, and Jarmanpreet look set in defence. Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, and Vivek Sagar Prasad are sure shots in midfield. Mandeep Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, and Abhishek look set in attack.

But several spots remain open. In defence, Yashdeep Siwach, Amandeep Lakra, and Jugraj Singh are all competing, with Jugraj under the most scrutiny given his recent form. The midfield, Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, and Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem are fighting for the remaining spots, alongside Rajinder Singh, the least experienced of the group but talked about as a long-term successor to Sardar Singh’s role. In attack, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, and Selvam Karthi are all in contention for the remaining forward spots.

Goalkeeping has its own storyline. Suraj Karkera looks set to be India’s number one. The second spot is between Mohith and Krishan Bahadur Pathak. Pathak was expected to inherit the gloves after Sreejesh’s retirement in 2024. Instead, he finds himself on standby with others ahead of him in the pecking order.

Rotterdam and London are the last major opportunity for these players to make their case before the World Cup squad is finalised.

Read More: 411 Caps and Still Going: The Manpreet Singh Story

What FIH Pro League Need to Show

India head to Europe without a win and with more questions than answers. The World Cup is only two months away. Whether it is goals, penalty corners, Harmanpreet’s form, or the battle for World Cup places, Rotterdam and London should tell us whether India have learned from an ordinary Pro League campaign so far. They may not be looking to peak in June, but they will want signs that the pieces are beginning to come together before August.

2026 is a big year for Indian hockey. Nations Cup. World Cup. Asian Games. We will be covering every important moment of this journey. Subscribe to the Give Me Hockey newsletter and stay with us through all of it

<p>The post FIH Pro League 2025-26: 5 Things to Watch as India Heads to Europe first appeared on Give Me Hockey.</p>

With the debate still open on whether India send one squad or two across the World Cup and Asian Games, these eight matches carry extra importance. They are Fulton’s last real opportunity to test his bench strength, assess the depth of his squad, and make the calls that will define how India approach both tournaments.

Read More: India’s Big Call: Chase World Cup Glory or Secure Olympic Qualification?

India’s FIH Pro League Form

India’s form in 2025-26 Pro League is a cause for concern. In the 2025-26 season, India have played eight matches and won none. Three draws, one shootout bonus point, five losses. They sit eighth in the standings with four points, ahead of only bottom-placed Pakistan who have zero points from eight matches.

The winless run goes further back than this season. India’s last regulation Pro League win came on June 22, 2025, a 4-3 victory over Belgium in Antwerp on the final day of the 2024-25 season. That win ended what was then their longest ever Pro League losing streak of seven successive defeats. The current season has added eight more matches without a win, though three draws and a shootout point show the gap is narrowing in some matches.

The opponents in this final leg are not straightforward. The Netherlands currently sit fourth in the standings. England are fifth. Germany sixth. Pakistan last. Every match is a genuine test.

What Is at Stake

For the Pro League title, India are out of contention. Belgium lead the standings with 22 points from eight matches, well clear of Australia in second. India’s focus is not the title.

Two things matter in these eight matches. First, avoiding relegation. The bottom team at the end of the season drops out of the Pro League and is replaced by the Nations Cup winner. India currently sit eighth, two points clear of Pakistan who are last. With eight matches remaining, the gap is manageable but not comfortable.

Second, and more importantly, World Cup preparation. England and Pakistan are India’s Pool D opponents in Amstelveen in August. Playing both of them twice in June, under Pro League pressure, is as close to a World Cup rehearsal as Fulton will get. The Netherlands appear twice as well. India and the Dutch are in different pools at the World Cup, but could meet in the second round if both progress as expected. Every match in Rotterdam and London is a live scouting opportunity and a chance to test what actually works against the opposition that matters most.

The question remains: Is this winless streak a sign of a team in decline, or is it the calculated cost of a preparation curve designed to peak only on August 15? While the fans worry about the scoreboard in Rotterdam, the coaching staff may be playing a much longer game.

India’s Remaining FIH Pro League Schedule

All eight matches are against sides India will either face directly at the World Cup or could meet in the knockout rounds. All times in IST.

India Name 24-Member Squad for European Leg

Hockey India announced the squad on May 27, 2026. Harmanpreet Singh returns to lead the side after missing the Hobart leg of the Pro League in February for personal reasons.

Before the Pro League matches, India will travel to Brussels for a preparatory camp and a friendly match from June 7 to 9. The squad then moves to Rotterdam from June 10 ahead of the Netherlands and Germany matches.

Craig Fulton said: “Training has been going really well and the squad is in great shape. The FIH Pro League matches in Holland and England in June are exactly what we need. Tough tests against world-class opposition that will tell us exactly where we stand in our World Cup preparations.”

Indian Men’s Hockey Team:

Goalkeepers: Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar, Suraj Karkera

Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh (Captain), Amit Rohidas, Sumit, Sanjay, Yashdeep Siwach, Amandeep Lakra, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh

Midfielders: Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem

Forwards: Mandeep Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Selvam Karthi

Standbys: Krishan Bahadur Pathak (Goalkeeper), Araijeet Singh Hundal (Forward), Maninder Singh (Forward), Poovanna Chandura Boby (Defender), Vishnu Kant Singh (Midfielder)

India have six weeks between their last Pro League match on June 28 and the World Cup opener on August 15. Whether these eight matches produce results or just answers, what Fulton learns in Rotterdam and London will shape how India walk into Amstelveen.

Where To Watch

The tournament will be streamed LIVE on Star Sports Network and Jio Hotstar in India.

Team Source: Hockey India

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<p>The post FIH Pro League Squad and Schedule: India’s World Cup Audition first appeared on Give Me Hockey.</p>

The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Women’s tournament runs from August 15 to August 29 across two venues in Belgium and the Netherlands. Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen hosts Pool A and Pool D matches. Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre hosts Pool B and Pool C.

For India, the 1974 inaugural edition remains their best finish, fourth place. In 2022 they finished ninth. Coach Sjoerd Marijne, who guided them to the Olympic semifinal in Tokyo, is back for a second stint. Getting out of the group will be the first real test.

FIH Hockey World Cup Tournament Format

Sixteen teams are divided into four pools of four. Every team plays the other three in their pool once. The top two from each pool advance to the second round. The bottom two enter classification pools to determine final rankings from 9th to 16th place.

In the second round, the eight qualified teams split into Pool E and Pool F. Top two from Pool A and Pool D form Pool E. Top two from Pool B and Pool C form Pool F. Each team plays two new matches against opponents from a different original pool. Top two from each second round pool advance to the semifinals, then knockout from there.

The Groups

Pool A: Netherlands, Australia, Chile, Japan; playing in Amstelveen

Pool B: Argentina, Germany, USA, Scotland; playing in Wavre

Pool C: Belgium, Spain, New Zealand, Ireland; playing in Wavre

Pool D: China, England, India, South Africa; playing in Amstelveen

Read More: Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup Schedule

FIH Hockey World Cup Group Stage Schedule

All times in IST. India’s matches are highlighted in green.

Second Round: Pool E and Pool F

Top two from Pool A and Pool D form Pool E, playing in Amstelveen. While,top two from Pool B and Pool C form Pool F, playing in Wavre. Top two from each pool advance to the semifinals.

Classification Matches: Positions 9 to 16

Third and fourth placed teams from each group compete here to determine final rankings from 9th to 16th place.

Semifinals and Final

India’s Chances In FIH Hockey World Cup

Pool D is the toughest draw India could have got. China are the reigning Asian champions and favourites to top the group. England beat India 2-0 in the World Cup qualifier final in Hyderabad just weeks ago. South Africa are the one team India should easily beat. August 16 against China and August 20 against England are the two matches that will define India’s campaign. Getting to the second round will be a significant achievement for Sjoerd Marijne’s India team. Stay tuned to GiveMeHockey for our in-depth analysis.

Where to Watch

All matches will be live streamed on Watch.Hockey globally. Fans can purchase a World Cup pass at watch.hockey. India broadcast details have not been confirmed yet. This article will be updated once an official Indian broadcaster is announced.

Note: All dates and times are in Indian Standard Time (IST). Second round and knockout fixtures show pool positions as teams are yet to be determined. This article will be updated as the tournament progresses.

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<p>The post Full Schedule, India’s Fixtures, and What Is at Stake: FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 first appeared on Give Me Hockey.</p>

The winner of the Asia Cup secures direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup. So the stakes for participating teams could not be higher. While teams sweat it out to prepare, here’s a quick preview of who’s playing and what they bring.

The Tournament Favorites: India

Despite the disastrous second half of their Pro League campaign, India are still favorites to win the Asia Cup. Recent history, head-to-head record, and squad depth all point in their favor. No other team comes close in terms of match experience or exposure. India has been regularly competing against the best through the FIH Pro League, something other Asian teams haven’t qualified for.

Their Pro League form hasn’t been great, which might give others hope, but India is too strong to implode at this level. Their bench is deeper, their tempo higher, and the gap between them and the rest of Asia is still significant.

Participation Doldrums: Pakistan

Will they or won’t they? The question of Pakistan’s participation remains open. While the Indian government has granted permission for them to compete, there are reports that Pakistan might skip the tournament. Despite their low rank of 18, they’ve shown glimpses of resurgence. They reached the final of the recent FIH Nations Cup and nearly qualified for the Pro League.

Pakistan remain a work in progress. They can’t match top teams in fitness, but they make up for it with flair and individual skills. On their day, they can be dangerous. If they do turn up, they could add an unpredictable twist to the tournament.

The Chasers: Malaysia, Korea, Japan

One thing going against all Asian challengers is the lack of match practice.

Korea has suffered the most. Winners of five Asia Cups, they’ve seen drastic funding cuts. In 2025, they’ve played just five games and won only two. They finished fourth in the Nations Cup. Even in 2024, their win rate was barely 25 percent. They are a shadow of their former selves and slipping in Asia as well. The 2022 champions will need something special this time.

Japan has also slowed down since the Tokyo Olympics. Winners of the 2018 Asian Games, they looked promising in the 2018–2020 stretch, but the momentum faded. In 2025, they’ve won just one game out of five played. Their 2024 wins came against Ukraine, Canada, and Malaysia. Based on current form, they don’t look like title contenders.

Malaysia are the dark horse. Their performances are often unpredictable, which makes them hard to assess. However, since 2024, their biggest scalp is New Zealand, which speaks about the team’s regression. Historically, Malaysia have troubled India, but their recent form doesn’t suggest an upset is coming.

The Final Pack: China, Oman, Chinese Taipei

China’s men are still playing catch-up while their women’s team rises. Along with Oman and Chinese Taipei, who qualified through the AHF Cup, they round out the eight-team tournament. These teams are unlikely to challenge for the title, but this event gives them much-needed exposure and match experience against top-tier sides.

Asia Cup 2025 is India’s tournament to lose. They are the highest-ranked team, the most experienced, and the most consistent across the last Olympic cycle. The question now is: can anyone else step up and challenge them?

Let us know, who are you backing to take the World Cup spot?

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<p>The post Men’s Asia Cup 2025 Preview: Who Will Grab the 2026 World Cup Spot? first appeared on Give Me Hockey.</p>

Before the tour began, there was confidence. Captain Salima Tete said, “Our aim is to play well and defeat the teams ranked above us… We’ve been reviewing our performances so we can not only improve on our weaknesses but continue doing what works.”
But in Europe, none of that translated. India were constantly playing catch-up. And now, their World Cup hopes hang in the balance.

The Asia Cup Route: Slim Chances

India’s first shot at qualification comes at the Asia Cup, scheduled in China from September 5. The winner earns a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

On paper, this seems like a reasonable goal. But in reality, it’s a long shot, mainly because of China.

After narrowly missing World Cup qualification through the Pro League (finishing 4th), China will be all-in for the Asia Cup. Under Alyson Annan, they’ve become one of the most organized and disciplined teams in the world. They’ve just won silver at the Paris Olympics. China are now the team to beat in Asia.

Meanwhile, with retirements of experienced players, India is fielding a young, transitional squad. Talented, yes, but lacking experience and composure, needed to beat a full-strength China on home soil.

The men’s team might be Asia Cup favorites. The women? They’ll likely need a different route.

2026 World Cup Qualifiers: India’s Best Bet

If India can’t win the Asia Cup, they’ll turn to the World Cup Qualification Tournaments in early 2026.

There will be two events, each featuring eight teams. The top three from each will qualify, and a seventh spot will go to whichever fourth-place finisher has the highest FIH world ranking.

That’s a window India can work with. Based on current rankings, they’d have a strong chance of grabbing one of those seven spots, especially with top European sides expected to qualify through their continental championships.

The qualifiers also offer a more balanced competitive field. No China and no Netherlands. It’s a safer path, but one that still demands serious improvement.

The Bottom Line

India would love to seal World Cup qualification at the Asia Cup, but that path looks increasingly unlikely. With China now among the world’s elite and hosting the tournament, India will need more than progress. They’ll need an upset.

The 2026 World Cup qualifiers are now India’s best and most realistic opportunity. The format gives them breathing room. Their global ranking gives them a safety net. But none of that will matter if the performances don’t improve.

This is a young squad. But they don’t have the luxury of time. Relegation from the Pro League and a narrowing path to the World Cup have raised the stakes.

The qualifiers must not be treated as a fallback.
They are the main target now.

If you’ve made it this far, you care about hockey the way we do, beyond the scores, beyond the headlines. We write for fans who want more than just match reports. Stories with context, opinion, and the things no one else covers.
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<p>The post Can India Still Qualify for the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup? first appeared on Give Me Hockey.</p>

Though the FIH Pro League route is shut, India’s hopes of making the 2026 World Cup are far from over. Their next and most direct opportunity comes at the Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar. But before we get to that, let’s break down how World Cup qualification works and where India still has a shot.

How World Cup 2026 Qualification Works?

Like the 2018 and 2023 editions, the 2026 Men’s Hockey World Cup will feature 16 teams. As per FIH’s qualification system, two spots are reserved for the hosts, Netherlands and Belgium. A third has already gone to Australia, who secured their place by winning the 2023–24 edition of the FIH Pro League. The winner of the 2024–25 Pro League will also qualify directly.

The remaining slots will come from:

• Continental championships: One spot each for winners of the five continental tournaments (Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania, Pan-America)
• World Cup qualification tournaments: These will decide the final seven spots

So far, three teams have qualified: Netherlands, Belgium, and Australia. Thirteen places remain.

Read More: Abhishek: The Striker Who Shoots Before Others Think

Interestingly, Australia’s qualification also clears the path for New Zealand. The Oceania Cup only has two participants. Since Australia has already qualified, New Zealand earns the region’s World Cup spot by default, even before the tournament begins.

Here’s the qualification events for World Cup 2026 and teams that have qualified.

What Went Wrong for India in the Pro League?

India’s Pro League campaign began on a solid note in Bhubaneswar. But once they moved to Europe, the wheels came off. The team lost six consecutive matches, against the Netherlands, Argentina, and Australia. While the margins were narrow, the defeats exposed recurring flaws that need attention.

Apart from Abhishek, who scored four goals, no other player stood out. India struggled to control the tempo, looked unsure in the attacking circle, and often appeared tactically disconnected. Their structure broke down under sustained pressure, and transitions lacked resolve.

That losing streak effectively ended any hope of direct qualification for the World Cup through the league.

India’s Best Route: Win the Asia Cup

India’s most straightforward path to qualification now runs through the 2025 Asia Cup. The tournament will take place in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 27 to September 7, 2025.

The competition will feature:

• Six top-ranked Asian teams: India, China, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, and Pakistan
• Two qualifiers from the 2025 AHF Cup: Oman and Chinese Taipei

India enters the Asia Cup as the highest-ranked team in the region. Their exposure to top teams in the Pro League gives them a major advantage. Japan and Malaysia can be dangerous, and Pakistan is always unpredictable. But no other team in Asia has India’s depth or experience.

Read More: Forgotten Experiments: Hockey’s Short-Lived Rule Changes

Still, tournament hockey leaves little room for error. One bad match or a nervy shootout could undo everything. India must approach the Asia Cup with full intent.

Backup Plan: World Cup 2026 Qualification Tournament

If India fails to win the Asia Cup, they still have another shot. The World Cup Qualification Tournament will include two separate events, each featuring eight teams. The top three from each event will earn a spot in the World Cup. A seventh slot will go to one of the fourth-place finishers, whichever holds the highest FIH ranking on the final day.

These qualification events will include teams based on both continental allocation and global rankings. Given India’s current ranking, they are almost certain to receive an invitation if needed.

What India Must Focus on Now

The Pro League is behind them, even with two games left. India’s focus must shift entirely to the Asia Cup. Winning that tournament would secure World Cup qualification and remove any uncertainty.

The path to the World Cup 2026 is still open, but it now requires clarity, consistency, and urgency.

Read More: The Missing Game: Why India Doesn’t Play Indoor Hockey

If you’ve made it this far, you care about hockey the way we do, beyond the scores, beyond the headlines. We write for fans who want more than just match reports. Stories with context, opinion, and the things no one else covers.
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<p>The post Hockey World Cup 2026: India Men’s Qualification Chances Explained first appeared on Give Me Hockey.</p>

Indian team selected for the World Cup has decent experience under their belt- Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi and Captain Salima Tete were part of Indian team that finished fourth in the Tokyo Olympics. Goalkeeper Bichu Devi, defender Akshata Dekhale and striker Sangita Kumari who made their senior team debut in FIH Pro League will also join these three experienced players in the squad

Placed in Group D along with Germany, Wales and Malaysia, India has a fantastic opportunity to make it to the quarterfinals of the tournament. The top two teams from each group will make it to the quarterfinals.

India’s Group Stage Schedule

Coach of senior Indian women team Janneke Schopman will be handling coaching duties of the squad during the tournament with Erik Wonink, Harvinder Singh, S Gayathri, Kavita Nambisan and Patrick Tshutshani forming the support staff for the tournament.

Coach Janneke Schopman in a byte to Hockey India mentioned that it was difficult to select the team for the tournament. It was progress shown by the players that made team selection difficult- ‘With a couple of players making their debut for the Senior Team in the Pro League recently, I believe that the added experience will have a positive influence. The team overall has a nice mixture of different skills and talents, and I am excited to see them taking on the best teams in the world at U21 level’

Indian team for Junior Hockey World Cup

Goalkeepers: Bichu Devi and Khushboo

Defenders: Marina Lalramnghaki, Preeti, Priyanka, Ishika Chaudhary (VC) and Akshata Dekhale

Midfielders: Vaishnavi Phalke, Salima Tete (C), Reet, Ajmina Kujur, Sharmila Devi, Lalremsiami and Baljeet Kaur

Forwards: Lalrindiki, Jiwan Kishori Toppo, Mumtaz Khan, Beauty Dungdung, Deepika and Sangita Kumari

Standbys: Madhuri Kindo, Neelam, Manju Chorsiya, Rutuja Pisal and Annu

Where to Watch?

All matches of the tournament will be shown LIVE via FIH’s Watch.Hockey app and Fan Code app. Both options are subscription based

Image Courtesy: Google Images

(With inputs from Hockey India official website)

<p>The post Junior Women Hockey World Cup: Indian team, schedule, broadcast details first appeared on Give Me Hockey.</p>