Bhubaneswar: Hockey India has announced a 40-member core group for the Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp, which will be held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru from July 21 to August 29, 2025. The camp is a key step in preparing the national team for the Women’s Asia Cup 2025, set to take place from September 5 in Hangzhou, China.
The Asia Cup holds added significance this year, as the champion earns direct qualification to the 2026 FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup. With this high-stakes tournament on the horizon, the coaching staff, led by chief coach Harendra Singh, aims to fine-tune tactics and strengthen the squad’s overall performance.
Continuity in Selection Reflects Strategic Stability
All players who participated in the previous national camp have been retained in the current squad, reflecting a commitment to continuity and long-term development. Hockey India officials emphasized that the camp will focus on sharpening technical skills, team coordination, and situational awareness, particularly in areas like penalty corner defence.
Core Group Features Balanced Mix of Experience and Youth
The 40-player squad features a blend of experienced campaigners and promising young talent across all departments.
Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki, Madhuri Kindo, and Samiksha Saxena.
Defenders: Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Udita, Mahima Chaudhary, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Chhatri, Jyoti, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Anjna Dungdung, and Suman Devi Thoudam.
Midfielders: Neha, Salima Tete, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Manisha Chauhan, Sharmila Devi, Sujata Kujur, Mahima Tete, Albela Rani Toppo, and Pooja Yadav.
Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Deepika Soreng, Sangita Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Beauty Dungdung, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Annu, Hritika Singh, Dipimonika Toppo, Chandana Jagadish, and Kajal Sadashiv Atpadkar.
Coach Harendra Singh Focuses on Tactical Discipline
Commenting on the upcoming camp, chief coach Harendra Singh stated, “This camp comes at a very critical juncture. The Asia Cup is not just a prestigious continental tournament but also a direct route to the 2026 World Cup. We have identified critical areas to work on, including our penalty corner defence, and I am confident that the energy and focus in this group will deliver results.”
The camp will serve as a foundation for final squad selection and strategy planning for the Asia Cup, where India will aim to reclaim the continental title and secure its spot at the World Cup.
Looking Ahead
India’s recent performance in the European leg of the FIH Pro League highlighted areas for improvement, and the upcoming camp is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing those gaps. With a mix of seasoned players and emerging talent, Hockey India is optimistic about building a strong, competitive unit capable of excelling on the continental stage.
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