The Indian women hockey team compete in international field hockey women’s competitions. From Asian Games medals to a memorable Olympic semi-final appearance, this team has been defined by a collection of talented players, tenacity and key victories.
The team are governed by Hockey India and have Salima Tete as captain and Sjoerd Marijne as chief coach as of 2026. With a mixture of experience and emerging talent, the squad regularly compete in major international competitions such as the World Cup and Asian Games.
For those interested in discovering women’s hockey, not only is the squad an eye-catching prospect but also the history, leading performers and successes across various competitions provide an insight into the progression of the Indian women’s game.
Indian Women’s Hockey Team Overview
| Team Detail | Information |
| Represents | India |
| Sport | Women’s field hockey |
| Governing body | Hockey India |
| Captain in 2026 | Salima Tete |
| Chief coach in 2026 | Sjoerd Marijne |
| Major competitions | Olympics, World Cup, Asian Games and Asian tournaments |
| Notable Olympic achievement | Fourth place at Tokyo 2020 |
Captains and squad selections can change depending on the tournament. The latest tournament announcement provides the best information on the players for a particular competition.
History of the Indian Women Hockey Team
India’s women have been competing on the international stage for a number of years. With successes ranging from early Asian triumphs to matches against international giants, this team has seen a host of notable achievements.
In 1982, India hosted the Asian Games in New Delhi and the women’s hockey team secured the gold medal at the event. It is one of the most famous milestones in the team’s history.
At Tokyo 2020 (which took place in 2021) India achieved a top-four finish after reaching the Olympic semi-finals, which was a huge boost for the women’s game in the country.
Why These Milestones Matter
Success at a tournament has more than just a place in the history books for a team – it brings in new fans to the sport and inspires the younger generations to follow in the footsteps of the senior stars.
For the Indian women’s hockey team, memorable encounters on the international stage have connected different eras for the game at home.
Captain and Chief Coach
Salima Tete’s Leadership
Salima Tete leads the team in 2026 as captain, and plays as a midfielder. There are few positions in hockey that require as much communication and organisation as the captain, and Tete is expected to deliver under pressure.
Sjoerd Marijne’s Coaching Role
Sjoerd Marijne was appointed chief coach of the Indian women’s team in January 2026. He returns to the coaching set-up, having previously worked with the squad.
Under the chief coach, a lot of the focus is on tactics, partnerships and the approach to each opponent. Alongside the rest of the coaching staff, the role also involves managing the balance between the senior players and those breaking through internationally.
Players in India’s 2026 World Cup Squad
With a 20-player squad named by Hockey India for the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup, this list refers to the competition itself.
| Position | Selected Players |
| Goalkeepers | Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam |
| Defenders | Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas |
| Midfielders | Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete, Neha, Deepika Soreng |
| Forwards | Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Beauty Dungdung |
In addition to some familiar international faces, this squad has seen younger players included as well. Savita, Navneet Kaur, Salima Tete and Lalremsiami were among the more experienced names in the squad.
How the Different Positions Work
Goalkeepers are the ones to watch at the back of the team’s defensive line, as they aim to keep out the opposition and help build out of defence. Defenders help to stop attacks, provide width and help to start attacks, while midfielders are the ones to watch for both attack and organisation.
Forwards create space, score goals and press the opposition’s defenders and goalkeepers when attempting to break from the back.
Why Squad Balance Is Important
Internationals require a number of high-intensity efforts and substitutions allow teams to stay fresh, but the players coming on will need to understand the system as well.
As such, a balanced squad is not just about the on-paper strength and skill of individual players but also about communication and how they work together.
Olympic History and the Tokyo Breakthrough
The campaign at Tokyo 2020 (2021) is one of the most famous in the club’s history, with the team reaching the semi-finals and eventually finishing fourth after the bronze-medal match against Great Britain.
India lost 4-3 in the match and finished fourth, but it was a massive achievement for the women’s game in the country.
While the campaign may have ended without a medal, it is an achievement that the team will no doubt look back on as part of their history – and the final result was fourth place.
Asian Games Success in 2026
India’s women’s team have secured the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games. They beat China 1-0 in the final on 2 October 2026.
The win marked the end of a 44-year wait for another women’s hockey Asian Games title after the famous 1982 triumph.
The victory has also ensured qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and therefore is significant for the team.
What the Gold Medal Represents
Winning a tight final, especially with the game poised early on, requires a team to be able to deliver in all parts of the game. Taking the lead might be enough, but organisation at the back and good decisions are also vital factors.
In the case of India’s 2026 victory, the team was able to link the famous history of the women’s game with the next step for the upcoming Olympics.
Asian Champions Trophy Achievement
India also secured the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024 title, at the tournament held in Rajgir, Bihar. It was a 1-0 victory over China in the final and Deepika was both the tournament’s top scorer and best player.
The title was another major achievement for the women’s team and an opportunity for home fans to see an international success.
Where to Find Fixtures and Results
Those who wish to follow the squad’s next match will need to look at Hockey India‘s international tournament schedule and the FIH website.
Both will have information on the competitions, fixtures and results. Checking the exact tournament is important, as senior women’s, junior women’s and men’s events can all take place at the same time.
Match times should also be taken into account if international games are being played outside of India, as the local time may differ from Indian Standard Time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is the captain of the Indian women hockey team?
Salima Tete is the captain of the team as seen in the 2026 tournament announcement.
2. Who is the chief coach?
Sjoerd Marijne was appointed chief coach in January 2026.
3. Did India win a women’s hockey medal at Tokyo 2020?
No – India finished fourth, having lost the bronze-medal match 4-3 to Great Britain.
4. Who won the 2026 Asian Games women’s hockey final?
India secured a 1-0 victory over China.
5. Where can fans check the next match?
Fans can follow Hockey India and FIH for the latest fixtures, competitions and results.
Conclusion
The Indian women hockey team have achieved notable feats in terms of Olympic campaigns and Asian titles. With Salima Tete leading the charge, the team now turns their attention towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Leave a Reply