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The Indian women’s hockey team will head into two of the biggest events of the year with remarkable continuity, as Hockey India has named an identical 20-member squad for the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup in August and the Asian Games in September. The decision reflects the faith reposed in a settled combination and places captain Salima Tete at the centre of India’s campaign in two back-to-back global assignments.

With the World Cup scheduled just weeks before the Asian Games, India has opted to retain the same core group, underlining confidence in a squad that has shown steady progress in recent international competitions. The move also ensures that the players develop greater understanding and rhythm before entering the continental showpiece where a gold medal remains a coveted target.

Salima Tete will shoulder the twin responsibility of leading the side in both tournaments. Widely regarded as one of the most dynamic midfielders in world hockey, Salima has emerged as the driving force of the Indian team through her relentless work rate, tactical awareness and inspirational leadership. Captaining the side in two major championships within such a short span will test her physical endurance, tactical acumen and ability to keep the squad motivated throughout a demanding schedule.

The goalkeeping responsibilities will once again rest with experienced Savita and promising Bichu Devi Kharibam, providing India with a dependable last line of defence. The defensive unit comprising Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti and Shilpi Dabas offers a blend of experience and youthful energy.

India’s midfield, led by Salima, includes Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Neha and Deepika Soreng. This unit will play a pivotal role in linking defence with attack while maintaining the tempo against some of the world’s strongest teams.

The forward line features proven performers Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur and Beauty Dungdung. Their ability to convert scoring opportunities consistently will be crucial if India is to challenge the traditional powerhouses at the World Cup before shifting focus to the Asian Games.

Selecting the same squad for both tournaments has several advantages. It eliminates the need for players to adapt to new combinations, strengthens on-field chemistry and enables the coaching staff to fine-tune strategies over an extended period. At the same time, it places significant demands on player fitness, recovery and workload management, given the intensity of two elite competitions in quick succession.

The World Cup will provide India with an opportunity to measure itself against the best teams in the world, while the Asian Games carry the added incentive of continental supremacy and the prestige associated with winning one of Asia’s premier sporting titles.

As India embarks on this challenging double mission, much will depend on the leadership of Salima Tete. Guiding the same squad through two prestigious tournaments within weeks is a rare responsibility, and the captain’s performance—both as a midfielder and as a leader—could well define India’s fortunes on the world and Asian stages.