Savita Punia omitted as India name squad for Madhya Pradesh Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026
Hockey India on Tuesday announced the squad for the Madhya Pradesh Women’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy Bhopal 2026, to be played at the International Sports Complex, Nathu Barkheda, Bhopal from November 19 to 28. Midfielder Salima Tete will continue as captain, while goalkeeper Savita Punia is the only big name missing from the selected players.
India enter the event as the hosts and defending champions, having won the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in 2016, 2023 and 2024, and the tournament will feature six teams: India, China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and South Korea. The competition uses a single round-robin format with each team playing the other five once, and the top four teams from the league stage advancing to the semi-finals.
Chief coach Sjoerd Marijne spoke of selection priorities and rotation in the squad. “This is the moment I want to give other players the chance to showcase their talent on the international stage. Some players will be playing in different positions than they normally do, so that I can see how they perform in a different role,” said chief coach Sjoerd Marijne. “We are excited to play in front of the home crowd and finish the year well.”
The announced roster lists goalkeepers Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam; defenders Nikki Pradhan, Jyoti, Jyoti Singh, Sushila Chanu, Lalthantluangi and Pooja Sahoo; midfielders Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (c), Neha, Sakshi Rana, Baljeeet Kaur and Ishika; and forwards Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Beauty Dungdung, Lalremsiami and Mumtaz Khan. Savita Punia is not included in the selected squad.
The tournament opener will pit China against Thailand on the first day. India’s scheduled matches after the opening day are against South Korea on November 21, Thailand on November 22, China on November 24 and Japan on November 25; the semi-finals are set for November 27 and the medal matches for November 28.
Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey framed the event as an opportunity to sustain recent success. “The Madhya Pradesh Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Bhopal 2026 is an important opportunity for our team to carry forward the momentum of their historic Asian Games triumph,” said Hockey India President, Dr Dilip Tirkey. “Playing in front of home supporters will be a great motivation, and I am confident the players will put up a strong performance and make the country proud.”
Hockey India Secretary General, Shri Bhola Nath Singh, also expressed support for the team and the hosts. “We are delighted that Madhya Pradesh is set to host some of Asia’s finest hockey teams. Our women’s team has had an outstanding year, highlighted by their Asian Games gold medal, and this tournament offers another opportunity to showcase their quality. “As defending champions, the team will be determined to maintain its winning momentum. We look forward to an exciting competition and strong support from hockey fans across Madhya Pradesh,” said the Secretary General.
India will begin their campaign against Malaysia following the opening ceremony on November 19, with the semi-finals on November 27 and the medal matches on November 28 at the International Sports Complex, Nathu Barkheda, Bhopal.