Hockey India unveils U-18 squads for Australia series in Bhopal, eyes Asia Cup prep
Synopsis
Hockey India has locked in its U-18 squads for a four-match Australian showdown in Bhopal — a high-stakes dress rehearsal before the Asia Cup in Japan. With Sardar Singh and Rani guiding the men's and women's teams respectively, the series will test tactical discipline and international readiness. The real verdict comes in Kakamigahara in June.
Key Takeaways
Hockey India announced 24-member squads for U-18 men's and women's teams on 7 May .
Ketan Kushwaha captains the men's side; Sweety Kujur leads the women's contingent.
Four-match series against Australia scheduled for 15-20 May in Bhopal .
Final rosters selected from 42 players after a week-long National Coaching Camp.
Series serves as preparation for the U-18 Asia Cup in Kakamigahara, Japan ( 29 May–6 June 2026 ).
Men's team coached by Sardar Singh and Rajnish Mishra ; women's team mentored by former Captain Rani .
Hockey India on Thursday, 7 May announced 24-member squads for both the Indian U-18 men's and women's teams ahead of a four-match series against Australia at the Udhav Das Mehta SAI Central Centre in Bhopal from 15 to 20 May. The series serves as the final preparation phase before the Men's and Women's U-18 Asia Cup in Kakamigahara, Japan, scheduled for 29 May to 6 June 2026.
Squad selection process
The final rosters were culled from an initial pool of 42 players following a week-long National Coaching Camp focused on match fitness and tactical adaptability. Forward Ketan Kushwaha will captain the men's side, while Sweety Kujur leads the women's contingent.
Men's team readiness
The U-18 men's squad is under the stewardship of former Indian hockey player Sardar Singh and Rajnish Mishra. Sardar Singh said the camp had identified 24 players ready for international exposure, emphasizing that the Australian matches are "not just practice games" but "a vital test of match temperament and tactical discipline." He highlighted that Ketan Kushwaha's leadership and the group's ability to handle the pace and pressure of Australian hockey would be crucial before the Asia Cup.
Women's team strategy
The women's contingent continues training under the mentorship of former Indian Captain Rani. She underscored that the 24-player squad represents those who demonstrated "greatest consistency and growth" during the camp. Rani stated that the four-match series against a top-tier opponent would provide clarity on strengths and areas requiring adjustment, describing it as "the ultimate dress rehearsal" before the continental championship.
Men's squad composition
Goalkeepers: Sawan Kumar, Ayush Rajak, Vishal Bada. Defenders: Ansh Bahutra, Ashish Tani Purti, Arman Soreng, Deepakprakash Toppo, Karan Gautam, Karan Dhanuk. Midfielders: Premchand Soy, Rahul Yadav, Varinder Singh, Romit Pal, Arjandeep Singh, Gursimranpreet Singh, Arshdip Singh, Avi Manikpuri. Forwards: Akash Deep, Ketan Kushwaha (Captain), Shahrukh Ali, Gazee Khan, Prahalad Rajbhar, Siddharth Ben, Jaysan Kandulna.
Women's squad composition
Goalkeepers: Mahak Parihar, Harry, Khili Kumari. Defenders: Sugan Sanga, Nilam Topno, Rubina Baxla, Kiran Ekka, Divya Yadav, Sulochani. Midfielders: Shruti Kumari, Diya, Harshita, Rashmeen Kaur, Laminganbi Akoijam, Nancy Saroha, Tongbram Lanchenbi Devi, Sneha Davde. Forwards: Nousheen Naz, Sweety Kujur (Captain), Priyanka Minz, Sandeepa Kumari, Nammi Geetashree, Princess Priya Ekka, Pushpa Manjhi.
Point of View
Yet the deeper narrative is about whether India's youth development pipeline is closing the gap with established continental powers. Sardar Singh's emphasis on 'match temperament' and 'tactical discipline' suggests the coaching staff views this not as a confidence-builder but as a stress-test. If the young squad can hold its own against Australia's physicality and structure, the Asia Cup medal hopes become credible; if not, the Japan trip becomes a learning curve. Either way, the depth of talent in this 24-member pool — drawn from 42 candidates — signals that Indian hockey's junior ecosystem is functioning.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Australia series for India's U-18 hockey teams?
The four-match series against Australia from 15-20 May in Bhopal serves as the final preparation phase before the U-18 Asia Cup in Kakamigahara, Japan (29 May–6 June 2026). It is designed to test match temperament, tactical discipline, and international readiness before the continental championship.
Who are the captains of the Indian U-18 hockey teams?
Forward Ketan Kushwaha captains the U-18 men's team, while Sweety Kujur leads the U-18 women's side.
How were the 24-member squads selected?
The final rosters were selected from an initial pool of 42 players following a week-long National Coaching Camp. Selection was based on match fitness and tactical adaptability demonstrated during the camp.
Who are coaching the U-18 teams?
The men's team is guided by former Indian hockey player Sardar Singh and Rajnish Mishra. The women's team continues its training under the mentorship of former Indian Captain Rani.
When and where is the U-18 Asia Cup scheduled?
The U-18 Asia Cup will be held in Kakamigahara, Japan, from 29 May to 6 June 2026. The Australia series in Bhopal (15-20 May) is the final preparation before this championship.
