Indian Women’s Hockey Team Prepares for FIH World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Under Sjoerd Marijne

The Indian women’s hockey team is set for a new chapter as they prepare for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Hyderabad, Telangana, from March 8 to 14. This tournament marks Sjoerd Marijne’s return as head coach, a position he previously held after the team’s Tokyo Olympics campaign in 2021.

India will compete against England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales, and Austria for three qualification spots at the World Cup, which will take place in Belgium and the Netherlands in August. The teams are divided into two pools: Pool A includes England, Korea, Italy, and Austria, while Pool B consists of India, Scotland, Uruguay, and Wales. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semifinals scheduled for March 13, with the final and third-place match set for March 14.

Match Schedule

• March 8: India vs Uruguay at 7:30 PM
• March 9: India vs Scotland at 7:30 PM
• March 11: India vs Wales at 7:30 PM

Squad Overview

The Indian squad includes goalkeepers Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam; defenders Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nikki Pradhan, Manisha Chauhan, Udita, and Ishika Chaudhary; midfielders Neha, Salima Tete (captain), Sunelita Toppo, Sakshi Rana, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, and Deepika Soreng; and forwards Navneet Kaur, Ishika, Lalremsiami, Beauty Dungdung, Baljeet Kaur, and Annu.

Key Points of Interest

This qualifier represents a significant challenge for Marijne, who aims to reset the team’s trajectory following a disappointing performance under former coach Harendra Singh. India’s failure to secure a spot in the Asia Cup has heightened the stakes, making qualification through this tournament essential.

Ranked 9th globally, India faces tough competition from 7th-ranked England, with both teams anticipated to reach the finals. Despite the rankings indicating a gap in quality between them and other teams, India must not underestimate their opponents.

A notable absence from the lineup is goalkeeper Savita Punia, who will miss the tournament for personal reasons. Solanki, who excelled at the recent Hockey India League, and Kharibam will aim to fill the gap left by Punia’s absence. This adds pressure on them to deliver under such critical circumstances.

Marijne has also introduced several younger players into the squad, including Sakshi Rana, Annu, Ishika, and Deepika Soreng, who will have opportunities to showcase their talents. Meanwhile, defenders like Nikki Pradhan and Sushila Chanu bring valuable experience back into the fold.

In their pursuit of World Cup qualification, Marijne will rely heavily on the leadership of captain Salima Tete and forward Navneet Kaur. Their ability to create chances and convert them will be pivotal for India’s success in the tournament.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn