India’s women’s hockey team has left for Japan for the 2026 Asian Games, carrying strong momentum from an impressive World Cup campaign and aiming for both the gold medal and a direct ticket to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The Indian women’s hockey team has begun its journey to the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, where it will compete with two major objectives: winning the gold medal and securing direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
India enters the continental tournament with renewed confidence after recording its best-ever World Cup finish since the inaugural 1974 edition, securing fifth place at the 2026 World Cup.
Captain Salima Tete will lead the side, with Sjoerd Marijne in charge as head coach.
India’s Main Target: Asian Games Gold and Olympic Qualification
The Asian Games carry added importance for Indian women’s hockey because the tournament offers a pathway to the next Olympic Games.
Under the qualification system for LA 2028, the highest-ranked eligible women’s hockey team at the Asian Games will receive an Olympic quota, as long as it has not already qualified through another route.
For India, that makes the gold-medal contest about more than continental supremacy. Winning the tournament could also provide the team with an early and direct route to the Los Angeles Olympics.
Captain Salima Tete believes the team’s performances earlier in the year have given the squad confidence heading into the tournament.
“Our goal is very clear — we want to fight for the gold medal and earn direct qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics.”
Tete also stressed that India will need consistency and discipline throughout the competition.
India’s Asian Games 2026 Pool
India has been drawn in Pool B, where it will face Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Uzbekistan.
India’s Pool B Schedule
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| September 20 | Uzbekistan |
| September 21 | Indonesia |
| September 23 | Thailand |
| September 25 | Japan |
| September 27 | Singapore |
The knockout stage is scheduled to begin on September 30, with the semifinals also taking place that day. The tournament’s gold-medal match is scheduled for October 2.
The opening matches will be particularly important for India as the team looks to build momentum before the knockout rounds.
Indian Women’s Hockey Team Squad for Asian Games 2026
The 20-player squad features a mix of experienced international players and younger athletes who have impressed during recent competitions.
Goalkeepers
- Savita
- Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders
- Ishika Chaudhary
- Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam
- Lalthantluangi
- Jyoti
- Shilpi Dabas
Midfielders
- Nikki Pradhan
- Sakshi Rana
- Sunelita Toppo
- Salima Tete (Captain)
- Neha
- Deepika Soreng
Forwards
- Lalremsiami
- Rutuja Dadaso Pisal
- Navneet Kaur
- Deepika
- Ishika
- Baljeet Kaur
- Beauty Dungdung
India’s Strong Run in 2026
The Indian women’s hockey team has enjoyed a significant turnaround during the 2026 season.
The campaign began with the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad, where India went unbeaten until the final and secured its place at the World Cup after defeating Italy 1-0 in the semifinal.
India eventually finished the qualifiers with a silver medal, but the tournament provided an important platform for the team heading into the rest of the season.
Nations Cup Triumph Boosted India’s Confidence
India’s next major success came at the Women’s Nations Cup in Auckland.
The team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, defeating the United States, Japan and Uruguay during the pool stage.
India then produced an emphatic 6-0 semifinal victory over Chile before overcoming hosts New Zealand 2-0 in the final.
The Nations Cup title also brought an additional reward, with India earning promotion to the Women’s Pro League for the following season.
Historic World Cup Campaign
India carried that momentum into the 2026 Women’s World Cup and produced one of its strongest performances at the tournament.
The team suffered only one defeat during its campaign and recorded important results against several highly ranked opponents.
India held China, England and Australia to draws, while also recording a convincing 6-1 victory over South Africa.
The team ended its World Cup campaign on a high by defeating world No. 5 Germany 3-1, securing a historic fifth-place finish.
That result represented India’s best World Cup performance since the competition’s first edition in 1974.
Sjoerd Marijne’s Impact on the Team
The Indian team has also benefited from the return of Sjoerd Marijne, who came back to the setup earlier in 2026.
Marijne was formally appointed as India’s Chief Coach in January, and the team has subsequently enjoyed a strong run of results across major international competitions.
His experience, combined with the leadership of Salima Tete and several senior players, has helped India build confidence before the Asian Games.
Experienced Players and Emerging Talent
India’s Asian Games squad combines established international performers with younger players looking to make their mark at the continental level.
Veterans such as Savita, Navneet Kaur, Neha, Nikki Pradhan, Lalremsiami and Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam provide experience, while the younger members of the squad bring energy and fresh competition for places.
The balance could prove important during a tournament that requires teams to perform consistently over a short period.
India vs Japan Could Be a Key Pool Match
Japan will be one of India’s most important opponents in Pool B.
The two teams are scheduled to meet on September 25, shortly before the conclusion of the group stage.
While India will be aiming to top its pool and enter the knockout phase with confidence, Japan will also be looking to make the most of home conditions.
The result could have an important impact on the final pool standings and India’s route through the knockout rounds.
What Is at Stake for India?
For the Indian women’s hockey team, the Asian Games represent an opportunity to achieve two major goals.
First, India wants to claim the Asian Games women’s hockey gold medal.
Second, winning the continental title could secure India’s direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, provided the team meets the eligibility requirements under the qualification system.
After the World Cup, Nations Cup and World Cup Qualifiers successes, the team will be hoping to maintain its upward trajectory.
Asian Games 2026: Key Details
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | India Women’s Hockey Team |
| Competition | Asian Games 2026 |
| Host country | Japan |
| Captain | Salima Tete |
| Chief Coach | Sjoerd Marijne |
| Squad size | 20 players |
| India’s pool | Pool B |
| First match | September 20 vs Uzbekistan |
| Gold-medal match | October 2 |
| Primary objective | Gold medal and LA 2028 qualification |
India’s Road Ahead
The Indian women’s hockey team arrives at the Asian Games with considerable momentum. A strong World Cup finish, Nations Cup success and consistent performances against top-ranked opposition have raised expectations around the squad.
However, the Asian Games will present a new challenge, and India will need to maintain its form throughout the tournament.
With the gold medal and a potential LA 2028 Olympic berth on the line, every match will carry significant importance.
India begins its Asian Games campaign against Uzbekistan on September 20, with the team hoping to turn its recent international progress into continental gold.
