Hangzhou (China), Sept 4, 2025 – After the men’s team’s recent success, all eyes now turn to the Indian women’s hockey team, as the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 begins in Hangzhou, China, from September 5 to 14.
This continental championship is not just about regional dominance—the winner will earn a direct qualification spot for the 2026 Hockey World Cup, making every game a high-stakes battle.
Tournament Format
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8 teams, 2 pools.
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Top 2 from each pool progress to the Super 4.
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The top 2 from Super 4 clash in the final on September 14.
Groups
Pool A: China, South Korea, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei
Pool B: India, Japan, Thailand, Singapore
India’s Pool-Stage Schedule
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Sept 5 (Friday): India vs Thailand
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Sept 6 (Saturday): India vs Japan
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Sept 8 (Monday): India vs Singapore
Indian Squad & Key Updates
India, bronze medalists in the last edition, will aim to go one step further this year. However, injury setbacks add to the challenge:
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Goalkeeper Savita (ankle injury) and drag-flicker Deepika are unavailable.
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Responsibility shifts to Captain Salima Tete, supported by stalwarts like Navneet Kaur, Udita, Neha, Sharmila Devi, and Lalremsiami.
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Youngsters Beauty Dungdung, Rutuja Pisal, and Sunelita Toppo inject new energy into the squad.
Full Indian Squad:
Bansi Solanki, Bichhu Devi Kharibam (GK); Manisha Chauhan, Udita, Jyoti, Suman Devi, Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Neha, Vaishnavi Phalke; Salima Tete (Captain), Sharmila Devi, Lalremsiami, Sunelita Toppo, Navneet Kaur, Rutuja Pisal, Beauty Dungdung, Musta Miss.
What’s at Stake
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Japan clash key: India’s toughest pool test will be against Japan, a consistent Asian contender.
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World Cup berth: A direct ticket to the 2026 Hockey World Cup awaits the winner.
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Momentum needed: With senior players missing, India’s blend of youth and experience must deliver under pressure.
The stage is set in Hangzhou. For India, it’s not just about medals—it’s about securing their place on the world stage.
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