The Chinese women's hockey squad, currently fourth in the world rankings, is gearing up for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, a tournament that promises to test their recent momentum.
Their qualification was sealed with a commanding performance at the 2025 Women's Asia Cup in Hangzhou, where Zou Meirong struck 11 goals in the final, delivering China's first continental title in 16 years.
The victory was complemented by individual accolades, including Luo Yaxi being named Best Young Player, while the team also celebrated a milestone of ten players surpassing 100 international caps, highlighted by veterans Peng Yang, Li Hong and Chen Yang.
Although captain Ou Zixia missed the latest Pro League season, the side continues to be guided by experienced attackers such as Li Hong, who recently joined Amsterdam H&BC in the Dutch Hoofdklasse, and goalkeeper Liu Ping, who earned a nomination for the Best Goalkeeper award in 2025.
Under the tactical direction of coach Alyson Annan, a six‑time FIH Women's Coach of the Year, the team draws on a storied past that includes Olympic silver medals in 2008 and 2024, a World Cup bronze in 2002, and multiple Champions Trophy medals.
A Legacy of Excellence
Annan, who previously led the Netherlands to World Cup glory in 2018 and an Olympic gold in 2021, brings a global perspective to a side that has also claimed four Asian Games titles and three Asia Cup crowns.
The players speak of ambitions that go beyond replicating past silver‑medal performances, aiming to translate their Pro League consistency — two consecutive fourth‑place finishes — into a historic breakthrough at the World Cup.