Hockey India Announces Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp
Dr. Shrikrishna Sharma
New Delhi. Hockey India has announced a Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp scheduled to take place from April 1 to April 9, 2026. The camp will feature a 31-member squad for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team. This camp is being organized with a specific focus on preparing for the crucial international tournaments scheduled for 2026. The team recently delivered a stellar performance at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers held in Hyderabad, Telangana, where they clinched the silver medal. With this victory, the team successfully secured their qualification for the upcoming FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026, to be hosted jointly by Belgium and the Netherlands.
The camp is slated to focus on building team combinations, enhancing fitness levels, and refining the tactical aspects of the game, as the team begins to take shape under the guidance of new Head Coach, Sjoerd Marijne. India is set to participate in the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2026 in June. Following this, in August, the team will compete in the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026 in Belgium and the Netherlands. The Asian Games are scheduled to take place in Japan from September 19 to October 4, 2026.
The goalkeeping unit comprises Savita—who was recently conferred with the Hockey India Baljit Singh Award for ‘Goalkeeper of the Year’ at the 8th Hockey India Annual Awards 2025—along with Madhuri Kindo, Bansari Solanki, and Bichu Devi Kharibam. Meanwhile, the defensive lineup features seasoned players such as Nikki Pradhan and Udita, supported in the backline by Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Singh, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, and Shilpi Dabas. The midfield lineup features Captain Salima Tete, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Manisha Chauhan, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, and Neha. Also included are promising players such as Sakshi Rana—winner of the Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year—Sunita Toppo, and Ishika. The forward line comprises Navneet Kaur—winner of the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year (Women)—Deepika, Lalremsiami, Mumtaz Khan, Deepika Soreng, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Baljeet Kaur, Annu, Beauty Dungdung, Hina Bano, Sonam, and Sangita Kumari (currently in rehab).
Speaking about the camp being held here, Coach Sjoerd Marijne stated, “This camp marks the next step in our preparations for the highly competitive season ahead. Our focus will be on improving consistency, refining our structure, and ensuring that we are physically and mentally prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. We aim to build a team capable of performing well under pressure and delivering strong performances during crucial moments in major upcoming tournaments, such as the FIH Hockey World Cup and the Asian Games.” Goalkeepers in the Indian Women’s Hockey Team’s Senior National Coaching Camp:
1. Savita
2. Madhuri Kindo
3. Bichu Devi Kharibam
4. Bansari Solanki
Defenders:
5. Nikki Pradhan
6. Ishika Chaudhary
7. Jyoti Singh
8. Lalthantluangi
9. Jyoti
10. Udita
11. Shilpi Dabas
Midfielders:
12. Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam
13. Manisha Chauhan
14. Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke
15. Sakshi Rana
16. Sunelita Toppo
17. Salima Tete
18. Neha
19. Ishika
Forwards:
20. Deepika Soreng
21. Rutaja Dadaso Pisal
22. Baljeet Kaur
23. Navneet Kaur
24. Deepika
25. Annu
26. Beauty Dungdung
27. Hina Bano
28. Sonam
29. Lalremsiami
30. Mumtaz Khan
31. Sangita Kumari (Rehab) | (Sports Editor)
