The Indian women's hockey team will be chasing their maiden World Cup title as they take the field in Amstelveen from August 16. Unlike their male counterparts, the Indian women had a far more arduous journey, marked by inconsistent participation at the World Cup.
From finishing fourth at the inaugural edition in France in 1974 to ending ninth in 2022, the India women have featured in only eight of the 15 editions of the tournament so far. The Indian team have been brilliant in the build up to the World Cup - winning the FIH Nations Cup in Auckland, New Zealand.
With Sjoerd Marijne at the helm once again, the Indian women's hockey team can dream of finishing on the podium. The Dutch coach has been credited to bring the Indian women's team back on track during his first tenure from 2018 to 2021. During that period, India women entered the quarterfinals of the 2018 World Cup, finished fourth at Tokyo Olympics.
The 52-year-old left for home to be with his family in 2021, but once again returned earlier this year to take charge.
India's matches at Women's Hockey World Cup
Drawn in Pool D, the Indian team have China, England and South Africa as their opponents in the group stage. The Indian women's hockey team will play all their group stage games at Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands.
India will open their 2026 campaign against China on August 16, followed by matches against South Africa on August 18 and England on August 20. The top two teams will advance into the second round. In the second round, all the teams will play two games each before the top two teams advance into the semifinals. Only four teams have won the women's World Cup so far.
The Netherlands are the most successful side with nine titles while Argentina, Australia and Germany have won it twice each.
India women's squad for 2026 Hockey World Cup
Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas
Midfielders: Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (c), Neha, Deepika Soreng
Forwards: Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Beauty Dungdung
India women's 2026 Hockey World Cup schedule
India's performances at Women's Hockey World Cup
Where to watch Indian women's team at 2026 Hockey World Cup?
Star Sports is the official broadcaster of the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026 from August 15 to 30. India women's 2026 Hockey World Cup matches will be telecast live on Star Sports SD and HD channels in India. Live streaming of India women's 2026 Hockey World Cup matches will be available on JioStar app and website.
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