The Indian women’s hockey team began its four-match tour of Argentina on April 13, 2026, marking a crucial phase in preparations for a demanding international season that includes the FIH Nations Cup, the FIH Hockey World Cup (Belgium & Netherlands), and the Asian Games later this year.
Under the leadership of Navneet Kaur, India faced Argentina’s senior women’s national team — widely known as Las Leonas and ranked among the world’s elite — in the opening fixture at Club Ciudad de Buenos Aires. The match was scheduled to kick off at 7:30 PM IST (11:00 AM local time).
The tour represents both a test and an opportunity. India enters it having finished as runners-up at the FIH World Cup Qualifiers 2026 in Hyderabad, a campaign that solidified their competitive edge heading into the global calendar.
Team Composition and Leadership
With regular captain Salima Tete unavailable due to illness, experienced forward Navneet Kaur assumed captaincy duties for the Argentina series. The squad blends seasoned internationals and promising talents:
Goalkeepers: Savita Punia (returning after a 10-month absence) and Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Nikki Pradhan (200+ caps), Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Ishika Chaudhary, Manisha Chauhan, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Udita
Midfielders: Neha, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sunelita Toppo, Deepika Soreng, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Sakshi Rana
Forwards: Baljeet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Beauty Dungdung, Annu, Mumtaz Khan, and others
The return of veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia adds experience to the unit, especially with Salima Tete missing out on the tour.
Strategic Objectives
Head coach Sjoerd Marijne has emphasised that this Argentina visit will be more than a series of fixtures. It is a strategic platform to experiment with team combinations and give competitive exposure to all selected players against a world No. 2 side.
Argentina’s Legacy
Argentina’s women’s hockey team is one of the most decorated sides in the sport, boasting a rich history that includes multiple World Cup titles, Olympic medals (including three silver and three bronze), and Pan American and Champions Trophy honours. Their experience presents a stern challenge for India in every match.
All four clashes between India and Argentina are scheduled at the same venue, with fixtures set for April 13, 14, 16 and 17, 2026, each beginning at 7:30 PM IST.
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