Hockey India names Shileima Chanu captain for Women's Junior Asia Cup 2026
Synopsis
Hockey India has named midfielder Khaidem Shileima Chanu to captain an 18-player junior women's squad for the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026 in Moqi, China. The squad, shaped by new coach Tim White and freshly returned from a UK exposure tour, faces Asia's best junior sides from 30 August — a crucial early test of India's next generation pipeline.
Key Takeaways
Hockey India announced the junior women's squad on 6 August for the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026 .
The tournament runs from 30 August to 13 September in Moqi, China .
Midfielder Khaidem Shileima Chanu will captain the 18-member side, with two alternate players also named.
The squad has been coached by newly appointed head coach Tim White , who joined earlier this year.
An extended squad recently completed a preparatory exposure tour of the United Kingdom ahead of the continental event.
Hockey India on Thursday, 6 August announced an 18-member junior women's squad for the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026, to be held in Moqi, China, from 30 August to 13 September. Midfielder Khaidem Shileima Chanu will captain the side, which also includes two alternate players.
Squad Composition and Preparation
The squad has been assembled under newly appointed head coach Tim White, who took charge of the junior women's programme earlier this year. As part of their build-up, an extended group recently completed an exposure tour of the United Kingdom, gaining valuable international match experience ahead of the continental tournament.
The full squad is as follows — Goalkeepers: Nidhi, Engil Harsha Rani Minz. Defenders: Puja Sahoo, Supriya, Pooja Malik, Parwati Topno, Madhu. Midfielders: Khaidem Shileima Chanu (C), Tanuja Toppo, Binima Dhan, Roshni Aind, Geeta Yadav. Forwards: Lalrinpuii, Purnima Yadav, Sukhveer Kaur, Krishna Sharma, Sanika Chandrakant Mane, Madhu Sidar. Alternate Players: F Lalbiaksiami, Tanushree Dinesh Kadu.
What Coach Tim White Said
'I am proud of the commitment and determination these young players have shown in earning their place in the squad for the Junior Asia Cup,' said White. 'Over the past few months, they have worked tirelessly to improve every aspect of their game, and I have seen them grow both as individuals and as a team.'
White further urged the players to treat the tournament as a springboard: 'This tournament is an important opportunity to test ourselves against Asia's best and continue our journey towards bigger goals. We will approach every match with confidence and discipline. I am confident this group has the talent and character to make the country proud.'
Significance of the Tournament
The AHF Junior Asia Cup brings together the continent's leading junior sides and serves as a primary platform for the next generation of Asian hockey talent. It also carries qualification implications for future junior world-level competitions. The match schedule and pool compositions are expected to be announced closer to the tournament's start date.
What to Watch
This will be a significant early test for coach White's tenure, with the UK exposure tour providing the squad its first extended taste of international competition under his guidance. India's junior women's programme has historically used the Asia Cup as a launchpad for World Cup campaigns, making the Moqi edition a key indicator of the programme's current depth and direction.
Point of View
But the real story is Tim White's first competitive deployment since taking charge. A UK exposure tour is a credible preparation route, yet the AHF Junior Asia Cup will be the first hard evidence of whether White's methods are translating. India's junior women's programme has historically punched below its senior counterpart's weight at continental level — this squad, with its mix of forwards and a deepened midfield, will need to show more than promise in Moqi to shift that narrative.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will captain India's junior women's hockey team at the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026?
Midfielder Khaidem Shileima Chanu will captain the side. Hockey India announced her as captain alongside the full 18-member squad on 6 August.
When and where is the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026 being held?
The AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026 is scheduled from 30 August to 13 September in Moqi, China. Pool compositions and the match schedule will be announced closer to the start date.
Who is coaching India's junior women's hockey team?
Tim White is the newly appointed head coach of India's junior women's hockey team, having taken charge earlier in 2026. He guided the extended squad through a preparatory exposure tour of the United Kingdom ahead of the tournament.
How did India prepare for the Junior Asia Cup 2026?
An extended squad completed an exposure tour of the United Kingdom prior to the final selection, gaining international match experience and key competitive learnings under coach Tim White's guidance.
How many players are in India's junior women's hockey squad for the Asia Cup?
The squad comprises 18 players across goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, along with two alternate players — F Lalbiaksiami and Tanushree Dinesh Kadu.
