Salima Tete to Lead Indian Women’s Hockey Team for Australia Tour; Navneet Kaur Named Vice-Captain

New Delhi, 15 April 2025: Hockey India has announced a 26-member Indian Women’s Hockey Team for the upcoming five-match tour of Australia, scheduled from 26 April to 4 May 2025 at the Perth Hockey Stadium. The tour will serve as a critical preparatory series ahead of the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25, slated for June.

Dynamic midfielder Salima Tete has been named the captain of the squad, while experienced forward Navneet Kaur will serve as her deputy. The team will begin the tour by playing two matches against Australia A, followed by three high-intensity matches against the senior Australian national team (Hockeyroos).

Veteran goalkeeper Savita and young talent Bichu Devi Kharibam will share goalkeeping duties, ensuring a strong presence at the back. The defensive unit comprises a healthy mix of experience and emerging players, including Jyoti Singh, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Sujata Kujur, Suman Devi Thoudam, Jyoti, Ajmina Kujur, and Sakshi Rana.

In midfield, captain Salima will be supported by Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Sharmila Devi, Manisha Chauhan, Sunelita Toppo, Mahima Tete, Pooja Yadav, and Lalremsiami, creating a formidable core with creativity, control, and drive.

The forward line promises sharp attacking prowess with the inclusion of Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Mumtaz Khan, Baljeet Kaur, Deepika Soreng, and Beauty Dungdung.

Notably, five players – Jyoti Singh, Sujata Kujur, Ajmina Kujur, Pooja Yadav, and Mahima Tete – have received their first call-up to the senior team and will be keen to make their mark at the international level.

The list of standby players includes Bansari Solanki (goalkeeper), Anjana Dundung and Lalthantluangi (defenders), Sakshi Shukla and Khaidem Shileima Chanu (midfielders), and Dipi Monika Toppo and Sonam (forwards).

Speaking about the tour, Harendra Singh, Chief Coach of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team, said,

“This tour to Australia is an important opportunity for us to test our skills and strategies against top-level competition. We’ve selected a balanced squad that combines experience with fresh energy. It’s great to see young players earning their spots through consistent performances in national tournaments and camps.”

He added,

“Playing against Australia A and the Hockeyroos will help us fine-tune our game ahead of the European leg of the FIH Pro League. Our focus remains on improving fitness, decision-making, and mental resilience, and this tour will be key to our continued progress.”

The Indian Women’s Team recently showcased their growing strength in the FIH Pro League and will look to build on that momentum during the Australian tour.