Hockey India have named a 20-member squad for the Women’s FIH Nations Cup 2026, scheduled from June 15 to 21 in Auckland, New Zealand. Salima Tete continues as captain. Twenty of the twenty-two players who toured Australia have made the Nations Cup squad.
The Nations Cup comes at a crucial point in the Indian women’s programme. It is the first of three major tournaments in a compressed window, with the FIH Women’s World Cup and the Asian Games to follow. Additionally, the Nations Cup winner earns promotion to the FIH Pro League, giving the victorious nation a season of weekly high-level competition against the world’s best.
Notable Selections
Lalthantluangi and Shilpi Dabas both earned their maiden senior call-ups during the Australia tour and keep their places for Auckland. Sonam also makes the squad after scoring her first senior international goal against Australia in Perth. Marijne has kept faith with all three after their performances in the four-match friendly series.
Meanwhile, Navneet Kaur heads into the tournament as India’s most in-form forward. She stood out across both the Argentina and Australia tours, scoring in multiple matches and captaining the side in Argentina.
However, Baljeet Kaur misses out despite being part of the Australia tour squad. Hockey India have not given a reason for her absence.
What Marijne Said
Speaking to Hockey India, Marijne said the tours of Argentina and Australia have given the squad the preparation they needed. The focus now is on translating that into consistent performances across a full tournament.
“The Nations Cup is an important tournament for us. We want to go there and play with ambition to set a standard for ourselves that we can build on. We have built on those aspects in the Argentina and Australia tours, which gave us good preparation as a team. Now it is about taking the next step and showing that level consistently across a full tournament. The squad is motivated and ready for the challenge.”
India’s Fixtures in FIH Nations Cup 2026
India are in Pool A alongside Japan, the United States, and Uruguay. Their opening match is against the United States on June 15 at 16:15 IST. They then face Japan on June 16 at 18:30 IST. The pool stage concludes against Uruguay on June 18 at 16:15 IST. The semi-finals follow on June 20 and the final on June 21.
For the full schedule, what is at stake, and the Pro League promotion picture, read our FIH Nations Cup 2026 schedule and preview piece.
India’s Squad for FIH Nations Cup 2026
Goalkeepers: Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Ishika Chaudhary, Lalthantluangi, Shilpi Dabas, Jyoti and Nikki Pradhan
Midfielders: Salima Tete (c), Neha, Sunelita Toppo, Sakshi Rana, Deepika Soreng, Sonam and Lalremsiami
Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Ishika and Annu
2026 is a big year for Indian hockey. Nations Cup. World Cup. Asian Games. Subscribe to the Give Me Hockey newsletter and follow every step of it.
