Savita Punia rested as Bansari Solanki called into India squad for Asian Champions Trophy in Bhopal
Veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia has been rested from the Asian Champions Trophy in Bhopal, with Bansari Solanki named as her replacement in the Indian women's hockey squad unveiled on Tuesday; head coach Sjoerd Marijne also announced positional changes for several players ahead of the event.
The tournament is scheduled to be held from November 19 to 28 at the newly-built International Sports Complex, Nathu Barkheda, Bhopal, and India enter as the defending champions. Salima Tete will continue as captain for this campaign, which is the team's first international assignment since winning the Asian Games gold last month. The squad announcement comes with the hosts aiming to defend their title on home soil.
The six-team competition comprises India, China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and South Korea, and the hosts have previously secured the Asian Champions Trophy in 2016, 2023 and 2024. South Korea have also won the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy three times. India will face continental opposition that includes the top-ranked teams in the region.
Bansari Solanki, 25, returns to the fold after being part of the squad that won the Asia Cup last year, and Bichu Devi Kharibam has retained her place as the other custodian in the squad. The selection sees a fresh goalkeeping pairing in the tournament squad.
The full squad named lists Goalkeepers: Bansari Solanki, Bichu Devi Kharibam; Defenders: Nikki Pradhan, Jyoti, Jyoti Singh, Sushila Chanu, Lalthantluangi, Pooja Sahoo; Mid-fielders: Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (c), Neha, Sakshi Rana, Baljeeet Kaur, Ishika; Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Beauty Dungdung, Lalremsiami, Mumtaz Khan.
On the rationale behind the selections and positional tweaks, Marijne said: "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," and added: "We are excited to play in front of the home crowd and finish the year well."
Specific role changes include naming Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, who played as a forward in the Asian Games, in the mid-field for the ACT; moving Nikki Pradhan from midfield into the defensive line-up; and shifting Ishika Chaudhary from defence into mid-field for the tournament.
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said: "The 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. 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," and Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh added: "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." India will begin their campaign against Malaysia on the opening day of the competition.