Hockey India on Tuesday announced a 20-member Indian women's squad for the Madhya Pradesh Women's Asian Champions Trophy Bhopal 2026, to be played from November 19 to 28 at the newly built International Sports Complex at Nathu Barkheda in Bhopal, IANS reported. Midfielder Salima Tete will continue to captain the side.

Source: IANS

The biggest talking point in the selection is in goal: veteran Savita Punia, who captained India to a historic Asian Games gold in Japan last month and made a crucial penalty-stroke save against China that secured direct qualification for the LA 2028 Olympics, has been rested and is not in the squad. Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam will shoulder the goalkeeping duties, ANI reported.

Source: ANI

The full squad — Goalkeepers: Bansari Solanki, Bichu Devi Kharibam. Defenders: Nikki Pradhan, Jyoti, Jyoti Singh, Sushila Chanu, Lalthantluangi, Pooja Sahoo. Midfielders: Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (captain), Neha, Sakshi Rana, Baljeet Kaur, Ishika. Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Beauty Dungdung, Lalremsiami, Mumtaz Khan.

Source: IANS

India enter the tournament as defending champions and three-time winners, having lifted the title in 2016, 2023 and 2024, and will be aiming for a hat-trick of titles in what is the team's first international tournament since the Asian Games triumph. The six-team event also features China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and South Korea, and follows a round-robin format in which every team plays the other five once, with the top four reaching the semi-finals.

Source: IANS

India open their campaign against Malaysia on November 19, following the opening ceremony, after China play Thailand in the tournament opener. The hosts then face South Korea on November 21, Thailand on November 22, China on November 24 and Japan on November 25. The semi-finals are on November 27 and the medal matches on November 28.

Source: IANS

Chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said he wants to give other players the chance to showcase their talent on the international stage, with some players set to play in different positions than usual so he can see how they perform in a different role. 'We are excited to play in front of the home crowd and finish the year well,' he said. Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said the tournament is an important opportunity to carry forward the momentum of the Asian Games triumph, and secretary general Bhola Nath Singh wished the team success.

Source: IANS