Hockey India names Sweety Kujur-led 18-member squad for U18 Asia Cup
Synopsis
Hockey India has named an 18-member women's squad led by Sweety Kujur for the U18 Asia Cup in Kakamigahara, Japan. After a national camp in Bhopal under coach Rani Rampal and a confidence-boosting win over Australia, India open their Pool A campaign against Malaysia on 30 May — with a title challenge firmly in their sights.
Key Takeaways
Hockey India announced an 18-member women's squad for the U18 Asia Cup on 22 May 2025 .
Sweety Kujur has been named captain of the side.
The tournament runs from 29 May to 6 June in Kakamigahara, Japan .
India are in Pool A with Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore; they open against Malaysia on 30 May .
The squad prepared at a national camp in Bhopal under coach Rani Rampal and won a four-match series against Australia .
Semifinals are scheduled for 5 June and the final for 6 June .
Hockey India on Friday, 22 May announced an 18-member women's squad for the U18 Asia Cup, with Sweety Kujur named captain. The continental tournament is scheduled from 29 May to 6 June in Kakamigahara, Japan, and will serve as a key proving ground for India's next generation of women's hockey talent.
Preparation and Build-Up
The squad arrives at the tournament on the back of an intensive national camp in Bhopal, overseen by coach Rani Rampal. The camp prioritised fitness conditioning, tactical structure, and combination play. As a final tune-up, India played a four-match series against Australia in Bhopal, ending the series with a confidence-building win.
Pool Fixtures and Tournament Format
India have been placed in Pool A alongside Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore. The campaign opens against Malaysia on 30 May, followed by the high-stakes clash against Korea on 31 May. India round off their pool stage against Singapore on 2 June. The top two teams from each pool advance to the semifinals on 5 June, with the final on 6 June.
What the Coach Said
Coach Rani Rampal expressed confidence in the group's readiness. 'This tournament is a fantastic platform for these young athletes to gain international exposure and understand the demands of high-pressure matches,' she said. 'We have focused heavily on fitness, tactical structure and team coordination over the past few weeks. The team is excited and motivated to represent the country, and our aim will be to play fearless hockey and challenge strongly for the title.'
Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Mahak Parihar, Khili Kumari
Defenders: Sugan Sanga, Nilam Topno, Rubina Baxla, Kiran Ekka, Sulochani
Midfielders: Shruti Kumari, Diya, Sneha Davde, Rashmeen Kaur, Nammi Geetashree, Pushpa Manjhi
Forwards: Nousheen Naz, Sweety Kujur (captain), Priyanka Minz, Sandeepa Kumari, Nancy Saroha
With a structured camp, a competitive warm-up series, and a clear pool draw, India will be looking to go deep into the knockout rounds and stake a claim as one of Asia's top junior women's sides.
Point of View
The absence of broader geographic diversity raises questions about grassroots reach. Coach Rani Rampal's own career arc — from junior prodigy to senior captain to coach — lends credibility to the programme, but the real test is whether this generation can convert Asian exposure into a sustained senior pipeline. India's women's junior hockey has historically peaked at Asia and then struggled at the World Cup level; this tournament will reveal whether the tactical and fitness work in Bhopal translates under genuine continental pressure.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the captain of India's women's U18 Asia Cup squad?
Sweety Kujur has been named captain of the 18-member Indian women's squad for the U18 Asia Cup. She is listed as a forward in the squad announced by Hockey India on 22 May 2025.
When and where is the U18 Asia Cup 2025 being held?
The U18 Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled from 29 May to 6 June in Kakamigahara, Japan. The semifinals are on 5 June and the final on 6 June.
Which teams are in India's pool at the U18 Asia Cup?
India have been drawn in Pool A alongside Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore. They open against Malaysia on 30 May, face Korea on 31 May, and conclude pool play against Singapore on 2 June.
Who is coaching the India women's U18 hockey team?
Rani Rampal is leading the coaching staff for the Indian women's U18 side. The team underwent a national camp in Bhopal under her guidance, focusing on fitness, tactical structure, and team coordination.
How did India prepare for the U18 Asia Cup?
India completed a national camp in Bhopal and played a four-match warm-up series against Australia, which they ended with a win. The camp focused on building combinations, match fitness, and tactical execution ahead of the tournament.
