Hockey India Unveils 40-Member Core Probable Squad for Senior Women's National Coaching Camp

Hockey India has announced a trimmed 40-member core group for the ongoing Senior Women's National Coaching Camp at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) center in Bengaluru.

The camp, which commenced on March 23, 2025, initially featured 65 probables. Following an assessment of their performances over the past two weeks, selectors finalized the current list, comprising both retained and newly inducted players.

Selection Process and Notable Inclusions

Among the 40 players, 28 have maintained their spots from the previous core group, while 12 fresh faces have been included in recognition of their outstanding displays in the 15th Senior Women's National Championship and the initial phase of the national camp.

The goalkeeping lineup remains strong, with experienced names like Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki, and Madhuri Kindo retaining their places. They are joined by Assam Hockey's Samiksha Saxena, who has earned her spot through commendable performances at the national level.

The defensive unit sees eight returning players, including Mahima Chaudhary, Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Chhatri, Jyoti, and Akshata Abaso Dhekale. Two promising defenders, Anjna Dungdung from Hockey Bengal and Suman Devi Thoudam from Manipur Hockey, have been added to the squad.

In the midfield, established players such as Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Salima Tete, Manisha Chauhan, Ajmina Kujur, Sunelita Toppo, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, and Baljeet Kaur continue their journey with the national camp. Additionally, Sujata Kujur (Hockey Bengal), Mahima Tete and Albela Rani Toppo (Hockey Jharkhand), and Pooja Yadav (UP Hockey) have been rewarded for their impressive performances in domestic tournaments.

The attacking lineup remains formidable, featuring Deepika Soreng, Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Beauty Dungdung, and Mumtaz Khan. Enhancing the team's offensive depth, five new forwards-Dipimonika Toppo (Odisha), Hritika Singh (Hockey Madhya Pradesh), Annu and Chandana Jagadish (Hockey Karnataka), and Kajal Sadashiv Atpadkar (Hockey Maharashtra)-have been introduced.

Coach Harendra Singh's Take on the Squad

Speaking about the selection process, Indian Women's Hockey Team Chief Coach Harendra Singh expressed confidence in the chosen players. "We have conducted intense training sessions and assessments. The selectors have done a commendable job in identifying the best 40 players available. Observing the National Championships has helped us recognize emerging talents, and I believe they have the potential to contribute significantly to the team in the long run. I am eager to see how these young players utilize this opportunity and take a major step forward in their careers."

Senior Women's Core Group

Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki, Madhuri Kindo, Samiksha Saxena, Mahima Chaudhary, Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Chhatri, Jyoti, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Anjna Dungdung, Suman Devi Thoudam, 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, Dipimonika Toppo, Hritika Singh, Deepika Soreng, Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Beauty Dungdung, Mumtaz Khan, Annu, Chandana Jagadish, Kajal Sadashiv Atpadkar