Hockey India on Monday announced a 24-member Indian women’s hockey team for the European leg of the FIH Pro League. Led by Salima Tete, the team will face top sides — Australia, Argentina, Belgium, and China — across three locations in Europe.
The squad was selected based on India’s recent performances during their tour of Australia. Navneet Kaur, who finished as the top scorer during the series, has been named vice-captain. Joining Navneet will be Deepika who has made a name for herself by scoring some important goals for India.
Talking about the team selection, Indian Women’s Hockey Team coach Harendra Singh said,
“We’ve gone with a balanced squad that blends experience with young talent. The European leg is a crucial phase of the Pro League, and we are expecting high-intensity matches against some of the best teams in the world. Every player selected has shown great commitment and readiness during our recent camps and Australia tour.”
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With one eye on 2026 World Cup, facing four elite teams will test India’s squad depth and fitness. The team will begin its campaign in London against Australia and Argentina, followed by a clash with Belgium in Antwerp. India will wrap up their 2024–25 Pro League campaign with two games against China in Berlin.
FIH Pro League European Leg Schedule
| Date | Team | Team | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14-Jun-25 | Australia | India | 3:30 pm IST | London |
| 15-Jun-25 | India | Australia | 3:00 pm IST | London |
| 17-Jun-25 | Argentina | India | 8:00 pm IST | London |
| 18-Jun-25 | India | Argentina | 8:00 pm IST | London |
| 21-Jun-25 | Belgium | India | 4:30 pm IST | Antwerp |
| 22-Jun-25 | Belgium | India | 4:30 pm IST | Antwerp |
| 28-Jun-25 | China | India | 4:00 pm IST | Berlin |
| 29-Jun-25 | India | China | 5:00 pm IST | Berlin |
Team Selection
India will once again rely on the experienced gloves of Savita in goal. However, this tour could be an ideal opportunity for coach Singh to give Bichu Devi more game time, as she looks set to take over once Savita steps away. With the competition increasing in Indian team due to upcoming players, Bichu Devi will be hoping to see more action between the sticks.
In defence, all eyes will be on Sushila Chanu — India’s most experienced defender — to guide the young players around her. Captain Salima Tete will anchor the midfield, with support from Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Sunelita Toppo, and Mahima Tete. Once seen as a rising star, Sharmila Devi will aim to revive her career after struggling with form in recent years.
Up front, Indian fans will hope forwards Deepika and Baljeet Kaur can carry over their strong form from the Hockey India League and help deliver key wins against these top-ranked opponents.
India’s squad for FIH Pro League (European Leg)
Goalkeepers: Savita and Bichu Devi
Defenders: Sushila Chanu, Jyoti, Suman Devi, Jyoti Singh, Ishika Chaudhary and Jyoti Chhatri.
Midfielders: Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sujata Kujur, Manisha Chauhan, Neha, Salima Tete, Mahima Tete, Lalremsiami, Sunelita Toppo and Sharmila Devi
Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Deepika Soreng, Sakshi Rana, Beauty Dung Dung, Baljeet Kaur and Rutuja Pisal
Goalkeeper Bansari Solanki and defender Ajmina Kujur have been named as standbys for the tour.
