India Names 20-Member Squad for Women’s Asia Cup 2025; Salima Tete to Lead in China

Hockey India has announced a 20-member squad for the highly anticipated Women’s Asia Cup 2025, which will take place from September 5 to 14 in Hangzhou, China. The continental tournament carries significant stakes, with the champion earning a direct berth to the 2026 FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.

India will be led by Salima Tete, a dynamic midfielder known for her pace and control, as the team looks to make a strong push for the title. The squad has seasoned campaigners as well as promising young talent, a strategy that could prove vital in navigating a challenging group stage in Pool B. India will face Japan, Thailand, and Singapore in the opening round.

The campaign will begin on September 5 against Thailand, followed by a high-stakes clash with Japan the very next day. India will round off its group stage matches against Singapore on September 8. All matches are crucial in determining who advances to the knockout stages.

India’s Pool B Schedule:

• September 5: India vs Thailand – 2:30 pm local time (12:00 pm IST)

• September 6: Japan vs India – 7:00 pm local time (4:30 pm IST)

• September 8: India vs Singapore – 2:30 pm local time (12:00 pm IST)

The selection features a balanced roster. Goalkeepers Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam will guard the posts, while the defensive line includes experienced names like Nikki Pradhan and Udita alongside rising stars such as Suman Devi Thoudam and Ishika Chaudhary.

The midfield, led by captain Salima Tete, includes key players like Neha, Sharmila Devi, and Lalremsiami, offering versatility and playmaking strength. In attack, the forward line boasts seasoned scorers like Navneet Kaur and Mumtaz Khan, with exciting youngsters like Deepika and Sangita Kumari expected to add flair and aggression.

India’s Full Squad:

Goalkeepers:

• Bansari Solanki

• Bichu Devi Kharibam

Defenders:

• Manisha Chauhan

• Udita

• Jyoti

• Suman Devi Thoudam

• Nikki Pradhan

• Ishika Chaudhary

Midfielders:

• Neha

• Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke

• Salima Tete (Captain)

• Sharmila Devi

• Lalremsiami

• Sunelita Toppo

Forwards:

• Navneet Kaur

• Rutaja Dadaso Pisal

• Beauty Dungdung

• Mumtaz Khan

• Deepika

• Sangita Kumari

With a spot at the World Cup on the line, Team India will look to combine experience and youthful energy to secure top honours in Hangzhou.