Hockey India Announces 40-Member Core Group for Senior Women's National Camp Ahead of Asia Cup 2025

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Bengaluru, July 19: As the countdown begins for the Women's Asia Cup 2025, Hockey India has announced a 40-member core probables group for the Senior Women's National Coaching Camp, set to be held at the SAI Centre in Bengaluru from 21st July to 23rd August.

The upcoming continental tournament, scheduled to begin on 5th September in Hangzhou, China, holds immense significance as the champion earns direct qualification to the 2026 FIH Women's World Cup.

With the stakes high, the national camp will serve as a critical phase in the Indian women's team's preparation under head coach Harendra Singh.

Continuity and Consistency

All players from the previous camp have been retained, signalling a focus on stability, long-term development, and maintaining the core structure ahead of a high-stakes assignment. Speaking about the squad, Coach Harendra Singh stressed the importance of this preparatory block:

"This camp comes at a very critical juncture for us. The Asia Cup is not just a prestigious tournament, but also a direct route to the 2026 World Cup. We're treating this camp with utmost intensity and focus."

Goalkeepers

The goalkeeping department features seasoned campaigners Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam, supported by Bansari Solanki, Madhuri Kindo, and young gun Samiksha Saxena, who earned her place with standout performances in the national championships.

Defenders

Led by experienced heads like Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, and Udita, India's defensive unit is strengthened by rising stars such as Mahima Chaudhary, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Chhatri, and Akshata Abaso Dhekale.

Midfielders

The midfield retains a perfect balance of experience and youth, with names like Neha, Salima Tete, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sharmila Devi, and Manisha Chauhan offering continuity, while promising talents like Mahima Tete, Albela Rani Toppo, and Pooja Yadav add freshness.

Forward Line

The attacking lineup brims with pace, flair, and finishing prowess. Key names include Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Deepika Soreng, and Beauty Dungdung, alongside a promising group of young strikers like Annu, Hritika Singh, and Chandana Jagadish.

Learning from the Pro League

India is aiming for redemption after a challenging FIH Pro League campaign in Europe, where the team struggled to maintain consistency. Coach Singh acknowledged those shortcomings:

"We have identified critical angles in penalty corner defence, which was a key area of concern during the Pro League. This camp will give us the opportunity to reset and bounce back stronger."

Full 40-Member Core Group:

GOALKEEPERS: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki, Madhuri Kindo, Samiksha Saxena

DEFENDERS: Mahima Chaudhary, Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Chhatri, Jyoti, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Anjna Dungdung, Suman Devi Thoudam

MIDFIELDERS: Sujata Kujur, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Salima Tete, Manisha Chauhan, Ajmina Kujur, Sunelita Toppo, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Baljeet Kaur, Mahima Tete, Albela Rani Toppo, Pooja Yadav

FORWARDS: Dipimonika Toppo, Hritika Singh, Deepika Soreng, Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Beauty Dungdung, Mumtaz Khan, Annu, Chandana Jagadish, Kajal Sadashiv Atpadkar

With just over a month to go before the Asia Cup begins, this preparatory phase is expected to shape the squad's form and focus as they chase both continental glory and a World Cup berth.