Sports

Savita opts out as India name 20-member squad for women’s hockey WC qualifier

March 2, 2026

Share FacebookTwitterWhatsAppPinterestLinkedinCopy URLTelegramEmailTumblrReddItPrintKoo HYDERABAD, Mar 1: 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.

Savita opts out as India name 20-member squad for women’s hockey WC qualifier

Credit: Dailyexcelsior

Key Highlights

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,” a source told PTI.
Seasoned Salima will continue to lead the side.

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Sources

Savita opts out as India name 20-member squad for women’s hockey WC qualifier

This quick summary is automatically generated using AI based on reports from multiple news sources. The content has not been reviewed or verified by humans. For complete details, accuracy, and context, please refer to the original published articles.

Savita opts out as India name 20-member squad for women’s hockey WC qualifier

Key Highlights

Sources

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