India Names Balanced Women’s Hockey Squad as U-18 Teams Struggle Against Australia

Preparations in Full Swing Ahead of Key International Tours

Hockey India has unveiled its 22-member Indian Women’s Hockey Team for an important tour of Australia set to take place in Perth from May 26 to May 30, 2026. This tour features four fixtures at the Perth Hockey Stadium and will act as critical preparation for the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025–26, scheduled in Auckland in mid-June.

The announced squad reflects a carefully balanced mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging prospects. Veteran midfielder Salima Tete has been appointed captain, bringing leadership experience from major multi-sport events to a side that pairs established stars with promising newcomers.

Veteran Core Anchors Emerging Talents

Among the senior contingent are Savita and Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam — experienced players expected to provide stability in defence and midfield. The lineup also features Navneet Kaur up front, who remains one of India’s consistent scoring threats.

A significant talking point in the squad selection is the inclusion of exciting young forwards and midfielders who have yet to debut at senior international level. Players such as Sonam, Hina Bano and Lalthantluangi have been rewarded with call-ups after strong performances in national camp sessions and junior competitions.

Head coach Sjoerd Marijne stressed that the tour’s purpose is not merely competitive results but to build cohesion and test combinations under international pressure. This approach aims to accelerate the readiness of younger athletes while consolidating strategic systems ahead of the Nations Cup.

Junior Side Faces Tough Opposition in Bhopal

While the senior women prepare for their Australia tour, India’s U-18 men’s and women’s teams have been competing in a four-match series against Australia’s U-18 sides at the Central SAI Centre in Bhopal. After opening with a competitive draw in the men’s fixture, both Indian junior teams suffered setbacks in their second games.

In the men’s match, the Indian U-18 side conceded a 3–1 defeat after an early equaliser from Ashish Tani Purti following a 2–2 draw in the series opener. Australia took control in the second half with goals from Sam Peoples and Angus McMullen.

The U-18 women’s encounter ended 4–1 in Australia’s favour, despite India taking an early lead. The visitors responded strongly with four unanswered goals to secure a second win in the series.

Both junior squads now look ahead to matches three and four of the series where they will have opportunities to regroup and adapt against high-quality opposition.

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