India’s women’s hockey team is heading to Japan for the 2026 Asian Games after an encouraging World Cup campaign, with the squad now focused on winning the continental title and booking its place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The Indian women’s hockey team has departed for Japan ahead of the 2026 Asian Games, where it will face a major test of its recent progress.
After finishing fifth at this year’s World Cup — the country’s best result at the tournament since its debut edition in 1974 — India enters the Asian Games with confidence.
The team, captained by Salima Tete and coached by Sjoerd Marijne, will have two clear targets: Asian Games gold and direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Asian Games Gold Could Bring Olympic Qualification
The women’s hockey competition at the Asian Games has added importance because of its connection to the LA 2028 qualification process.
Under the qualification rules, the highest-placed eligible team at the Asian Games can obtain an Olympic quota, provided it has not already qualified through another route.
That gives India an additional incentive to go all the way in Japan.
Captain Salima Tete said the team’s results in recent tournaments have strengthened its belief ahead of the Asian Games.
The Indian skipper has already guided the team to a Nations Cup title and a historic fifth-place finish at the World Cup during 2026.
She believes maintaining discipline and consistency will be crucial if India is to achieve its objectives.
India Drawn in Pool B
India has been placed in Pool B along with hosts Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Uzbekistan.
The team’s group-stage fixtures are:
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| September 20 | India vs Uzbekistan |
| September 21 | India vs Indonesia |
| September 23 | India vs Thailand |
| September 25 | India vs Japan |
| September 27 | India vs Singapore |
The knockout stage is scheduled to begin on September 30, when the quarterfinals and semifinals are set to take place according to the tournament schedule.
The women’s hockey gold-medal match will be played on October 2.
India will be looking to finish strongly in the pool before entering the knockout rounds.
20-Member Indian Squad
The Indian squad has a combination of experienced internationals and younger players who have performed well during recent assignments.
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 Impressive 2026 Season
India’s confidence heading into the Asian Games comes from a series of strong performances during 2026.
The team first competed at the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad. India remained unbeaten through the tournament before defeating Italy 1-0 in the semifinal to secure World Cup qualification.
India ultimately finished second in the qualifiers but showed encouraging signs ahead of the major tournaments that followed.
Nations Cup Success
India then delivered a standout performance at the Nations Cup in Auckland.
The side went unbeaten throughout the tournament, recording victories over the USA, Japan and Uruguay in the pool stage.
India continued its run with a commanding 6-0 win against Chile in the semifinal.
The final saw India defeat hosts New Zealand 2-0, securing the Nations Cup trophy.
The victory also helped India earn promotion to the Women’s Pro League for the following season, adding another major achievement to its 2026 campaign.
World Cup Finish Raises Expectations
The Indian team then carried its good form into the World Cup.
India lost just once during the tournament and managed draws against several strong opponents, including China, England and Australia.
The side also produced a convincing 6-1 win over South Africa.
India ended its campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory against Germany, the world’s fifth-ranked side at the time, to secure fifth position overall.
The result marked India’s best finish at a Women’s Hockey World Cup since the competition began in 1974.
Marijne’s Return Gives India Fresh Momentum
The return of Sjoerd Marijne has been another important part of India’s resurgence.
Marijne rejoined the national setup earlier this year and was officially named Chief Coach in January.
Under his guidance, India has enjoyed a productive season, with success at the Nations Cup and a historic World Cup finish providing the squad with valuable confidence.
The coaching staff will now look to translate that momentum into a successful Asian Games campaign.
Key Players to Watch
India has plenty of experience within its squad.
Goalkeeper Savita remains one of the team’s most experienced players, while forwards such as Navneet Kaur and Lalremsiami provide attacking options.
Captain Salima Tete will also play a crucial role in midfield and leadership.
Players such as Nikki Pradhan, Neha and Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam bring additional international experience, while the younger members of the squad will be hoping to make an impact on the continental stage.
Japan Match Could Be Crucial
India’s meeting with Japan on September 25 is likely to be one of the most closely watched group-stage matches.
Japan will have home support behind it, while India will be looking to secure a strong position in Pool B before the knockout rounds.
With Olympic qualification potentially linked to the final tournament result, India cannot afford to take its group-stage matches lightly.
India’s Road to LA 2028
The Asian Games could provide India with the simplest route to the next Olympic Games.
A successful campaign and the right finishing position would allow India to secure an Olympic quota directly, assuming it remains eligible under the qualification regulations.
For a team that has shown significant improvement throughout 2026, the opportunity is a major one.
What’s Next for the Indian Team?
India’s campaign begins on September 20 against Uzbekistan.
The team will then face Indonesia, Thailand, Japan and Singapore before the knockout stage gets underway.
Following a strong World Cup performance and an unbeaten Nations Cup campaign, expectations will be high.
The challenge now is to maintain that consistency when the pressure increases.
Asian Games gold would not only add another major trophy to India’s 2026 season but could also secure the team’s place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
