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New Delhi, 18 May 2026: Hockey India on Monday announced the Indian women’s hockey team for the upcoming tour of Australia. India will play a four-match series against Australia on 26th. All four matches will be played at Perth Hockey Stadium. The first match will be played on 26th May, the second on 27th May, the third on 29th May and the final on 30th May. This tour is considered important ahead of the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26 to be held in Auckland from June 15 to 21. The Indian team is embarking on this tour after a stellar performance in Argentina earlier this year, where they overcame a strong challenge to get two wins in their four-match series. Since then, the Indian team has been training rigorously at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) national camp in Bengaluru, honing key aspects of their game in preparation for the upcoming busy international season.

2022 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games bronze medalist Salima Tete will lead the team for the next tour. They will have experienced players like Savita, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalremsiami and Navneet Kaur, as well as exciting young talents like Sonam, Heena Bano and Lalthantulangi. Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam will be reliable options in the goalkeeping department. In defence, Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantulangi and Jyoti Shilpi will play alongside Dabas, who is making her senior team debut. Lalthantulangi has also been given her first senior team call-up.

Salima Tete will lead the midfield department along with experienced players like Neha and Lalremsiami, while Sakshi Rana and Sunita Toppo will look to make an impact. Deepika Soreng and Sonam, who are yet to make their senior international debut, have also been included in the midfield unit. Navneet Kaur will be expected to continue her impressive goalscoring form on this tour, which joins Baljeet Kaur, Deepika, Annu, Ishika, Heena Bano, who is yet to make her senior international debut, and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal.

Players now have the opportunity to perform at their best

Sharing his thoughts on the team, head coach Sjoerd Marijne said, “We have selected a balanced squad with both experienced and young players, some of whom will get their first opportunity at international level. It is important for the players to continue their development, and the best way to do that is by playing under pressure in international matches. These players now have the opportunity to bring out their best, and I am excited to see their performances.”

India’s team of 22 players for Australia 2026 tour

Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam as goalkeepers, Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthanthluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas as defenders, Salima Tete, Lalremsiami, Neha, Sakshi Rana, Sunita Topo, Deepika Soreng, Sonam as midfielders and Navneet Kaur as forwards. Baljeet Kaur, Deepika, Annu, Ishika, Heena Bano, Rutuja Dadasaheb Pisal have been selected.