India Women’s hockey team to test new lineup

Perth

The Indian women’s hockey team is set to face the senior Australian side in three upcoming friendlies at Perth Hockey Stadium starting today (May 1). This follows two closely fought defeats against the Australia A team.

India lost 3-5 in the first game, despite goals from Mahima Tete, Navneet Kaur, and Lalremsiami. In the second match, India went down 2-3, with Jyoti Singh and Sunelita Toppo scoring.

Led by Salima Tete and vice-captain Navneet Kaur, the 26-member squad now shifts focus to tougher competition. India had previously beaten Australia 1-0 during the 2023–24 FIH Pro League and aims to replicate that success.

Chief coach Harendra Singh said the team is prioritizing experience and testing combinations. “This series is for learning and preparing new players for future tournaments,” he explained. Young players like Mahima Tete, Pooja, Sujata, and Ajmina have impressed the coaching staff so far.

Singh emphasized that the friendlies help build depth ahead of next year’s World Cup. “Every new player should get at least 35 international matches before the World Cup. That’s our target,” he said.

India aims to gain momentum and evaluate talent before heading to Europe for Pro League games. Singh remains optimistic about the squad’s progress, saying, “There’s healthy competition, and everyone’s giving their best.”

With a mix of youth and experience, India is using the tour to prepare a strong team capable of performing consistently at international levels.