Veteran goalkeeper and former skipper Savita Punia has opted out of Women World Cup Qualifiers due to personal reasons as Hockey India on Sunday named a 20-member squad, to be led by mid-fielder Salima Tete.
The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers is scheduled to be held in Hyderabad from March 8 to 14.
Hosts India, England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales, and Austria will be competing for three qualification spots at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 set to be held in August.
The teams are divided into two pools, with England, Korea, Italy, and Austria in Pool A, while hosts India, Scotland, Uruguay, and Wales in Pool B.
According to sources, Savita has taken a break for family reasons.
“Savita was not part of the national camp ahead of the tournament as she opted out due to family reasons. That’s why there was no reason to consider her,” the source told PTI.
Seasoned Salima will continue to lead the side. The squad comprises of Bansari Solanki and …​Veteran goalkeeper and former skipper Savita Punia has opted out of Women World Cup Qualifiers due to personal reasons as Hockey India on Sunday named a 20-member squad, to be led by mid-fielder Salima Tete.
The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers is scheduled to be held in Hyderabad from March 8 to 14.
Hosts India, England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales, and Austria will be competing for three qualification spots at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 set to be held in August.
The teams are divided into two pools, with England, Korea, Italy, and Austria in Pool A, while hosts India, Scotland, Uruguay, and Wales in Pool B.
According to sources, Savita has taken a break for family reasons.
“Savita was not part of the national camp ahead of the tournament as she opted out due to family reasons. That’s why there was no reason to consider her,” the source told PTI.
Seasoned Salima will continue to lead the side. The squad comprises of Bansari Solanki and … ​Latest News [ SOBAN NEWS: International and National ]
