Asian Games 2026: Indian Women’s Hockey Team Eye Gold and LA 2028 Qualification After Impressive World Cup Run

Nagoya, September 19: The Indian women's hockey team will look to convert their phenomenal run at the World Cup at the Asian Games as they begin their Asian Games campaign in Kakamigahara, Japan, on Sunday.

The women's team will look to eye a gold medal at the Asian Games, which will give them a direct ticket to the Los Angeles Olympics.

How Has been 2026 For Indian Women's Hockey Team?

The Indian women's hockey team will head into the Asian Games high on confidence after securing their best World Cup finish in 52 years with a fifth-place finish. The team has also shown significant improvement under chief coach Sjoerd Marijne, who returned to the helm earlier this year. Marijne, however, wants his players to quickly shift their focus to the next challenge while acknowledging their historic World Cup campaign.

"We did something remarkable and historical, but we have to move on to the next tournament... You have to close a chapter before you move to the next one," said Marijne. Former India captain Viren Rasquinha was equally impressed by the team's performance, particularly their fighting spirit and unity.

"I just thought that the Indian women's team really surprised all of us. This time, very, very pleasantly surprised," Rasquinha said. "They just played so well, such good hockey, such fighting spirit, team spirit. And for me, I was just so impressed with the Indian women's hockey team, the way they played."

With China emerging as the biggest threat, Rasquinha believes India have a genuine chance of challenging for gold. "I would still say the Indian women's hockey team are not firm favourites, but it's a 50-50 chance between India and China in women's hockey."

Indian Women's Hockey Team: Schedule

Semi-finals/Classification: September 30, 2026*
Bronze Medal & Gold Medal Matches: October 2, 2026*
*Subject to qualification

Indian Women's Hockey Team: Squad

• Goalkeepers: Savita Punia, Bichu Devi Kharibam
• Defenders: Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas
• Midfielders: Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (c), Neha, Deepika Soreng
• Forwards: Lalremsiami Hmarzote, Rutuja Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Beauty Dungdung

Where To Watch Indian Women's Team Match Against Indonesia?

Indian fans can watch the women in blue play their opening match of Pool B live on SonyLiv at 7:30 am (IST).