Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2026: Hockey India announces squad

After their historic gold medal triumph at the Asian Games in Japan, the Indian women's hockey team will turn its attention to the Madhya Pradesh Women's Asian Champions Trophy Bhopal 2026.

Hockey India announced the 20-member squad on Tuesday for the tournament, which will be held from November 19th to 28th. India will look to carry the momentum from their Asian Games success into the competition as they aim to defend their title.

The 2026 Women's Asian Champions Trophy will be held at the newly built International Sports Complex in Nathu Barkheda, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The six-team competition will feature India, China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and South Korea, with all teams playing each other once in a round-robin format. The top four teams at the end of the league stage will qualify for the semi-finals.

India has won the Women's Asian Champions Trophy in 2016, 2023 and 2024, making them three-time champions of the competition. 

India's squad for the Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2026

Salima Tete will continue as captain, while veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia has not been included in the squad. Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam will be the two goalkeeping options for the team. 

The 20-member squad features a mix of experienced players across all four positions.

Goalkeepers: Bansari Solanki, Bichu Devi Kharibam

Defenders: Nikki Pradhan, Jyoti, Jyoti Singh, Sushila Chanu, Lalthantluangi, Pooja Sahoo

Midfielders: Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (captain), Neha, Sakshi Rana, Baljeet Kaur, Ishika

Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Beauty Dungdung, Lalremsiami, Mumtaz Khan