Hockey India has officially announced a 26-member Indian Women’s Hockey Team for the forthcoming tour of Australia, scheduled from April 26 to May 4, 2025. The series will be held at the Perth Hockey Stadium and comprises five matches—two against Australia A followed by three against the senior Australian national team. This tour is a critical component of India’s preparation for the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25, set to commence in June.
Leadership and Squad Composition
The team will be captained by dynamic midfielder Salima Tete, with seasoned forward Navneet Kaur serving as vice-captain. The squad features a balanced mix of experience and emerging talent, including five players—Jyoti Singh, Sujata Kujur, Ajmina Kujur, Pooja Yadav, and Mahima Tete—who have earned their maiden call-ups to the senior national team.
Squad Breakdown
Goalkeepers:
-
Savita
-
Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders:
-
Jyoti Singh
-
Ishika Chaudhary
-
Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam
-
Sujata Kujur
-
Suman Devi Thoudam
-
Jyoti
-
Ajmina Kujur
-
Sakshi Rana
Midfielders:
-
Salima Tete (Captain
-
Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke
-
Neha
-
Sharmila Devi
-
Manisha Chauhan
-
Sunelita Toppo
-
Mahima Tete
-
Pooja Yadav
-
Lalremsiami
Forwards:
-
Navneet Kaur (Vice-Captain)
-
Deepika
-
Rutaja Dadaso Pissal
-
Mumtaz Khan
-
Baljeet Kaur
-
Deepika Soreng
-
Beauty Dungdung
Standby Players:
-
Bansari Solanki (Goalkeeper)
-
Anjana Dundung (Defender)
-
Lalthantluangi (Defender)
-
Sakshi Shukla (Midfielder)
-
Khaidem Shileima Chanu (Midfielder)
-
Dipi Monika Toppo (Forward
-
Sonam (Forward)
Coach’s Perspective
Chief Coach Harendra Singh expressed confidence in the selected squad, stating, “This tour offers a crucial opportunity to test our depth and strategies against world-class opposition. It’s exciting to see young players breaking into the senior squad through consistent performances. This exposure will be invaluable for their growth.”
He further emphasized the importance of the tour in fine-tuning the team ahead of a packed international calendar, noting that the team has undergone rigorous training at the national camp in Bengaluru to enhance fitness, decision-making, and resilience under pressure
Tour Schedule
-
April 26 & 27: Matches against Australia A
-
May 1, 3 & 4: Matches against the senior Australian national team
All matches will be played at the Perth Hockey Stadium.
Conclusion
The Australia tour represents a significant step for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team as they gear up for the challenges of the FIH Pro League 2024-25. With a blend of seasoned players and fresh talent, the team aims to solidify its strategies and build momentum on the international stage.
