Indian Women's Hockey Team Gears Up for Challenging Australia Tour

The Indian Women's Hockey Team is set for a four-match tour in Australia from May 26-30 in Perth, aiming to prepare for the FIH Women's Nations Cup. With a mix of experienced and new players, the team, led by Salima Tete, looks to build on its recent successes.

Hockey India has announced the roster for the Indian Women's Hockey Team's upcoming tour of Australia, with matches slated from May 26 to 30 at the Perth Hockey Stadium. The tour serves as a preparatory step for the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup 2025-26 in Auckland, scheduled for June 15-21, according to a statement from Hockey India.

Following a commendable performance in Argentina, the Indian team has been rigorously training at the national camp in SAI Bengaluru. Salima Tete, who won bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, will captain the team. She is joined by seasoned players such as Savita and Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, along with promising newcomers like Sonam and Hina Bano.

The defense will be bolstered by the presence of Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, and Sushila Chanu, while the goalkeeping duties will rest on Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam. Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne emphasized the balance between experienced and young players in the squad, highlighting the importance of gaining experience under international match pressure. The Australia tour is seen as a crucial step in maintaining the performance level observed in the recent Argentina series.