Hockey India has announced a 31-member Senior Women's National Coaching Camp that will take place from May 11 to 20, 2026, as the team begins preparations for a packed international calendar later this year.
The upcoming camp will act as an important build-up phase ahead of India's exposure tour of Australia, which will serve as preparation for the FIH Nations Cup 2026 scheduled to be held in Auckland, New Zealand from June 15 to 21.
The tournament carries significant importance as the winner of the FIH Nations Cup will secure direct promotion to the 2026-27 FIH Hockey Pro League. Qualification to the Pro League could also strengthen India's long-term Olympic pathway, with the eventual Pro League winners earning direct qualification for the LA
2028 Olympics.
Key season ahead for Indian women's hockey team
The coaching camp comes at a crucial stage for the Indian women's side, with multiple major tournaments lined up later in the year.
Following the Nations Cup campaign, India will shift focus to the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup 2026 in Belgium and the Netherlands, which will be held from August 15 to 30, before heading into the Asian Games in Japan from September 19 to October 4.
The camp is expected to focus heavily on improving match fitness, tactical execution and team combinations as India look to build momentum before entering one of the busiest international stretches in recent years.
Same 31-member core retained for upcoming Hockey India camp
The squad remains unchanged from the previous national coaching camp conducted in April under chief coach Sjoerd Marijne, indicating continuity in the team's preparation plans.
The goalkeeping unit includes experienced names like Savita and Madhuri Kindo alongside Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam, who recently received the Hockey India Baljit Singh Award at the Hockey India 8th Annual Awards 2025.
The defensive group features Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Singh, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti and Shilpi Dabas.
Captain Salima Tete will lead the midfield group along with Sushila Chanu, Manisha Chauhan, Vaishnavi Phalke, Neha, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo and Ishika.
Meanwhile, the forward line includes Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Lalremsiami, Mumtaz Khan, Deepika Soreng, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Baljeet Kaur, Annu, Beauty Dungdung, Hina Bano, Sonam and Sangita Kumari.
Sjoerd Marijne outlines focus areas for short camp
Speaking about the camp, Marijne emphasized that fitness and consistency would remain central to India's preparations before the Australia tour.
"This will be a short camp ahead of our upcoming tour to Australia," Marijne said.
"The integral focus of the camp will be on the fitness aspects of the game and improving in those areas. We want to be consistent in this regard and take the next step as a team. "
Hockey India Women's squad for Senior National Coaching Camp
Goalkeepers
Savita, Madhuri Kindo, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki
Defenders
Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Singh, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Udita, Shilpi Dabas
Midfielders
Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Manisha Chauhan, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete, Neha, Ishika
Forwards
Deepika Soreng, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Baljeet Kaur, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Annu, Beauty Dungdung, Hina Bano, Sonam, Lalremsiami, Mumtaz Khan, Sangita Kumari
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