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The upcoming Women’s Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to take place from September 5 to 14 next month, in Hangzhou, China will be a ticket to the World Cup. The winner of the Asian tournament will earn a direct qualification to the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026, set to take place in Belgium and the Netherlands. Asia Cup consists of two pools, with Pool A comprising hosts China, Korea, Malaysia and Chinese Taipei, and Pool B consisting of India, Japan, Thailand and Singapore.
On Thursday, August 21, Hockey India announced the squad for the Women’s Asia Cup 2025. Midfielder Salima Tete will lead the Indian contingent in the high-stakes tournament. Being placed in Pool B alongside defending champions Japan will test our skills and character from the very start,” Tete reportedly said. She further added, “The ultimate goal is to lift the trophy and earn a direct spot in the 2026 Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup.”
India has been drawn into Pool B, where they will face Japan, Thailand, and Singapore. India will kickoff its campaign against Thailand on September 5, followed by a high-octane clash against defending champions Japan on September 6. Their final pool-stage match is against Singapore on September 8.
India previously lifted Asia Cup in 2017 by defeating China
The Indian squad reportedly curated by Harendra Singh, consists of goalkeepers Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam, while the defensive line is anchored by seasoned players Nikki Pradhan and Udita, supported by emerging talents like Manisha Chauhan, Jyoti, Suman Devi Thoudam, and Ishika Chaudhary. The midfield is led by Salima Tete alongside Neha, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sharmila Devi, Lalremsiami, and Sunelita Toppo. The forward line, featuring Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Deepika, Beauty Dungdung, and Rutaja Dadaso Pisal. Savita Punia and Sushila Chanu, who featured in the FIH Pro League’s European leg, have been omitted from this squad, reportedly signaling a strategic shift towards younger players.
The Women’s Asia Cup 2025 holds immense importance for India, who last won the title in 2017 by defeating China in the final. A bronze medallist in the previous edition, the team would be eager to reclaim the top spot and secure direct qualification for the World Cup. The tournament’s structure adds further intrigue: while the champion earns an automatic World Cup berth, teams finishing second to fifth will qualify for the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, set to be played in early 2026.
