Salima Tete to Lead 26-Member Indian Women’s Hockey Team on Australia Tour Beginning April 26

New Delhi: Hockey India on Monday unveiled the 26-member squad for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team’s upcoming tour of Australia, set to be held from April 26 to May 4, 2025, at the Perth Hockey Stadium. The high-stakes tour comprises five matches — the first two against Australia A, followed by three encounters against the senior Hockeyroos squad.

The team will be captained by Salima Tete, a dynamic presence in the midfield, while experienced forward Navneet Kaur has been named Vice-Captain. The tour will serve as an essential preparatory fixture for the team ahead of the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024–25, scheduled for June.

The goalkeeping duties will be shared between the seasoned Savita and the promising Bichu Devi Kharibam, forming a dependable last line of defence.

The defensive unit boasts a solid blend of experience and youthful energy, featuring Jyoti Singh, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Sujata Kujur, Suman Devi Thoudam, Jyoti, Ajmina Kujur, and Sakshi Rana.

Leading the midfield will be Salima Tete, supported by a talented group including Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Sharmila Devi, Manisha Chauhan, Sunelita Toppo, Mahima Tete, Pooja Yadav, and Lalremsiami, ensuring a well-rounded central unit.

India’s forward line appears sharp and aggressive with Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Mumtaz Khan, Baljeet Kaur, Deepika Soreng, and Beauty Dungdung aiming to breach the Australian defence.

In a significant milestone, five players — Jyoti Singh, Sujata Kujur, Ajmina Kujur, Pooja Yadav, and Mahima Tete — have earned their maiden senior team call-ups and will be keen to make a mark on their international debut.

Standby players for the tour include: Bansari Solanki (goalkeeper); Anjana Dundung and Lalthantluangi (defenders); Sakshi Shukla and Khaidem Shileima Chanu (midfielders); Dipi Monika Toppo and Sonam (forwards).

Chief Coach Harendra Singh expressed optimism about the squad’s composition, stating, “This tour to Australia is an important opportunity for us to test our skills and strategies against top-level competition. We’ve selected a balanced squad that combines experience with fresh energy. It’s great to see young players earning their spots through consistent performances.”

He added, “Our national camp in Bengaluru was productive, and the team is in strong mental and physical form. Facing Australia A and the senior team will allow us to fine-tune key areas such as fitness, decision-making, and composure under pressure, as we prepare for the European leg of the FIH Pro League.”

The Australian tour marks another chapter in the Indian women’s team’s pursuit of excellence on the international stage, with fresh talent stepping up and experienced names guiding the journey forward.