Hockey India Announces 31-Member Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp
Hockey India on Sunday announced the 31-member Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp, scheduled to be held from May 11 to 20, 2026.
The preparatory camp is significant as the team will travel to Australia for an exposure tour ahead of the FIH Nations Cup, which will take place in Auckland, New Zealand, from June 15 to 21.
The camp will provide the team with an opportunity to assess its strengths ahead of key fixtures later this year, including the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to 30, and the Asian Games in Japan from September 19 to October 4.
The camp also holds added significance as the winner of the FIH Nations Cup will earn direct qualification for the 2026–27 FIH Hockey Pro League. Furthermore, the winner of the 2026–27 FIH Hockey Pro League will secure direct qualification for the LA 2028 Olympics.
The upcoming camp will feature the same set of 31 players who were part of the previous national camp held in April under Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne. It will serve as another important phase in the team’s build-up, with the focus expected to remain on strengthening combinations, improving fitness levels and sharpening tactical aspects of the game.
The squad for the Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp comprises experienced campaigners and promising talents across all positions. The goalkeeping department includes Savita, Madhuri Kindo, Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam, who received the Hockey India Baljit Singh Award at the Hockey India 8th Annual Awards 2025.
Meanwhile, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Singh, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti and Shilpi Dabas add a blend of defensive solidity and experience to the backline.
Captain Salima Tete, alongside Sushila Chanu, Manisha Chauhan, Vaishnavi Phalke, Neha, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo and Ishika, will occupy the midfield, offering versatility and control in the middle of the pitch.
The forward line comprises Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Lalremsiami, Mumtaz Khan, Deepika Soreng, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Baljeet Kaur, Annu, Beauty Dungdung, Hina Bano, Sonam and Sangita Kumari, providing a blend of experienced attackers and youthful exuberance.
Sharing his thoughts on the upcoming camp, Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne said, “This will be a short camp ahead of our upcoming tour to Australia. The primary focus of the camp will be on fitness and improving in those areas. We want to maintain consistency in this regard and take the next step as a team.”
