Key points
- Pooja Sahoo, a defender from Odisha, has been selected in India's 20-member squad for the Madhya Pradesh Women's Asian Champions Trophy Bhopal 2026.
- Hockey India announced the squad on November 10, 2026; the tournament is scheduled for November 19-28 in Bhopal.
- The selection is reported as Sahoo's maiden call-up to the senior Indian women's hockey team.
- Sahoo was previously named in India's 24-member junior women's squad for a UK exposure tour in July 2026.
- She was also included in the Indian junior women's team for the Junior Asia Cup in China in August-September 2026, according to Odisha sports coverage.
- India's squad is led by captain Salima Tete and includes 20 players across goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards.
Odisha defender Pooja Sahoo has earned her maiden call-up to the senior Indian women's hockey team after being named in the 20-member squad for the Madhya Pradesh Women's Asian Champions Trophy Bhopal 2026. Hockey India announced the squad on November 10, with the continental tournament scheduled to be held from November 19 to 28 at the International Sports Complex in Nathu Barkheda, Bhopal.
Sahoo's inclusion is a significant step in her progression through the national pathway. She has featured in India's junior set-up, including selection for an under-21 exposure tour of the United Kingdom earlier this year. Her place in the senior squad now gives her an opportunity to train and compete alongside established international players.
Maiden senior call-up for Odisha defender
The Times of India reported that Sahoo's selection marks her first call-up to the senior Indian women's team. She has been named among the defenders in the squad, alongside Nikki Pradhan, Jyoti, Jyoti Singh, Sushila Chanu and Lalthantluangi.
Her journey to the senior squad has included opportunities at junior level. Odisha sports coverage reported in June that Sahoo was one of four players from the state selected for India's 24-member junior women's squad for a UK exposure tour from July 5 to 14. She was listed as a defender in the team led by Khaidem Shileima Chanu.
Odisha sports reporting also included Sahoo among the junior players selected for the Junior Asia Cup in China in August and September. These junior assignments formed part of her international development before the senior selection announced this week.
Salima Tete to lead India in Bhopal
Midfielder Salima Tete will captain the Indian side at the Women's Asian Champions Trophy. The squad includes two goalkeepers, six defenders, seven midfielders and five forwards. India will compete on home ground as the defending champions and three-time winners of the tournament.
The team also features Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam as goalkeepers; Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Sunelita Toppo, Neha, Sakshi Rana, Baljeet Kaur and Ishika in midfield; and Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Beauty Dungdung, Lalremsiami and Mumtaz Khan in attack.
Hockey India said the Bhopal tournament will be the team's first international assignment after its gold-medal success at the Asian Games in Japan last month. The federation said the team would look to carry that momentum into the home competition.
Six teams to compete in Bhopal
The 2026 edition will feature India, China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and South Korea. Each side will play the other five teams in the round-robin stage, with the top four advancing to the semifinals. The semifinals are scheduled for November 27, while the final and third-place match will take place on November 28.
India have won the Women's Asian Champions Trophy in 2016, 2023 and 2024, according to Hockey India, and will be aiming to defend the title in front of home supporters. The tournament offers Sahoo a chance to make her senior international debut in a major continental competition, although her appearance in the playing line-up will depend on team selection.
A milestone for Odisha hockey
Sahoo's selection adds another name from Odisha to the national women's hockey pathway. Her progress from junior representation to the senior squad highlights the importance of development opportunities and exposure at different age-group levels.
Her call-up is also a personal milestone: selection in the squad is confirmed, while a senior international appearance will depend on whether she is selected to play during the tournament. For now, the Bhopal assignment gives the young defender an opportunity to work with India's senior group as the team prepares for its title defence.
With the tournament beginning on November 19, attention will turn to India's preparations and the final team combinations. For Odisha supporters, Sahoo's inclusion is a moment to follow closely as she takes the next step in her hockey career.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Pooja Sahoo and which position does she play?
Pooja Sahoo is an Odisha hockey player who has been named as a defender in India's 20-member squad for the Madhya Pradesh Women's Asian Champions Trophy Bhopal 2026. Her selection is reported as her maiden call-up to the senior Indian women's team.
Is this Pooja Sahoo's first selection for the senior Indian women's hockey team?
Yes. The Times of India report describes the Bhopal 2026 squad selection as Pooja Sahoo's maiden call-up to the senior Indian women's hockey team. She has previously represented India at junior level, including selection for an under-21 exposure tour.
When and where will the Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2026 be held?
The Madhya Pradesh Women's Asian Champions Trophy Bhopal 2026 is scheduled for November 19-28 at the International Sports Complex, Nathu Barkheda, Bhopal. Hockey India announced the dates and venue when it released the Indian squad on November 10.
Who will captain India at the Women's Asian Champions Trophy in Bhopal?
Midfielder Salima Tete will captain the Indian team at the 2026 Women's Asian Champions Trophy. India will enter the tournament as defending champions after winning the title in 2016, 2023 and 2024, according to Hockey India.
Which teams will compete in the 2026 Women's Asian Champions Trophy?
The six participating teams are India, China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and South Korea. The competition begins with a round-robin league, with each team playing five matches and the top four advancing to the semifinals.