Hockey India has named 15 players for a sub-junior men's national camp in Chandigarh, gearing up for the inaugural Men's Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship 2026 in Muscat, Oman, scheduled from 20 to 25 July. The two-week camp, running from 7 to 18 July at Panjab University, Sector 14, Chandigarh, will be led by former India captain and coach Sardar Singh.

The Squad and Its Recent Pedigree

All 15 players selected for the camp were part of the Indian squad that competed in the recently concluded U18 Men's Asia Cup 2026, where India clinched the gold medal by defeating hosts Japan 4-1 in the final. The continuity in selection signals Hockey India's intent to build on that momentum heading into a new format.

The full list of camp players: Karan Gautam, Arman Soreng, Sawan Kumar, Ansh Bahutra, Arshdeep Singh, Ketan Kushwaha, Shahrukh Ali, Rahul Yadav, Romit Pal, Ashish Tani Purti, Akashdeep, Avi Manikpuri, Siddharth Ben, Prahalad Rajbhar, and Ayush Rajak.

Focus on Hockey5s Demands

The camp is specifically designed to introduce players to the tactical and technical requirements of the Hockey5s format — a condensed, faster variant of the game — while reinforcing core fundamentals. Structured training sessions over the fortnight aim to sharpen both format-specific skills and broader playing competencies that will serve the players as they progress to junior and senior national setups.

Coach Sardar Singh said, 'This is a unique opportunity for these young players to represent India in a new format of the game at such a high level. Our objective over the next two weeks is to help the players understand the requirements of Hockey5s while continuing to strengthen the fundamentals that will benefit them throughout their careers. I would also like to thank Panjab University for extending excellent support in hosting this camp.'

Panjab University's Role

Panjab University is hosting the camp and providing what Hockey India has described as world-class training facilities. Vice-Chancellor Professor (Dr.) Renu Vig visited the camp, interacted with the players, and extended her best wishes ahead of the tournament. Hockey India acknowledged the university's support as integral to the camp's preparation environment.

What This Means for India's Hockey Pipeline

The camp underscores Hockey India's long-term strategy of identifying and nurturing talent at the sub-junior level before players transition to the junior and senior national programmes. The inaugural status of the Men's Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship adds further significance — India's sub-junior players will be among the first to compete in this format at the continental level. With a gold medal at the U18 Asia Cup already secured, expectations will be high heading into Muscat.