Hockey India announces Indian Women's squad for U18 Asia Cup 2026
New Delhi, May 22
Hockey India on Friday announced the 18-member Indian Women's U-18 squad that will represent the country at the upcoming Women's U18 Asia Cup Kakamigahara 2026. The prestigious continental tournament hosted by Japan will take place from May 29 to June 6.
According to a press release, the Indian side heads into the tournament after several weeks of preparation at the national camp in Bhopal, where the coaching staff, led by Rani, focused on building combinations, improving match fitness and sharpening tactical execution.
The tournament will serve as an opportunity for the young Indian squad, captained by Sweety Kujur, to test themselves against some of Asia's strongest teams.
As part of the preparations, the Indian team played a four-match series against Australia in Bhopal, which the hosts ended with a confidence-boosting win.
Placed in Pool A, India will compete against Korea, Malaysia and Singapore. India will open their campaign against Malaysia on May 30, followed by the clash against Korea on May 31. The team will then conclude its pool-stage fixtures with the match against Singapore on June 2. The top two teams from Pool A and B will progress to the semi-finals scheduled on June 5, while the final will be played on June 6.
Commenting on the final squad for the tournament, coach Rani said that the upcoming tournament will provide the athletes with an excellent platform to gain international exposure as well as get an understanding of the demands of high-pressure matches.
"This tournament is a fantastic platform for these young athletes to gain international exposure and understand the demands of high-pressure matches. 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," Rani said.
Indian Women's U-18 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
India's Match Schedule (All Times IST):
May 30, 2026: India vs Malaysia - 05:30 amMay 31, 2026: India vs Korea - 05:30 amJune 2, 2026: India vs Singapore - 09:30 am
Pool A: India, Korea, Malaysia, SingaporePool B: China, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Bangladesh.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Love the diversity in the squad - players from Jharkhand, Odisha, and across the country! These small-town girls are the backbone of Indian hockey. Sweety Kujur as captain is a great choice. Hope the early morning matches don't deter viewers back home.
Good squad selection but I'm concerned about the defence - only 5 defenders listed. Australia series win is promising but Korea will be a real test. They've always been strong at youth level. Hope the girls have worked on penalty corners because that's where matches are decided.
So proud of these young women! 🎉 The fact that they beat Australia in the preparation series shows real potential. Rani's quote about "fearless hockey" gives me chills - that's the Indian spirit! Also great to see indigenous talent from tribal communities being nurtured. Jai Hockey! 🙌
Important tournament for the girls. However, I wish Hockey India would give more visibility to these events - barely any promotion on social media. Also, 5:30 AM matches are tough for fans. That said, the squad looks balanced. Korea in pool stage will be crucial. Go India!
This is what development looks like! From the grassroots camps to international exposure matches, Hockey India is finally getting it right. The Bhopal camp, the Australia series - perfect preparation. And Rani as coach? She's an inspiration for every young girl in India. Can't wait to see Sweety Kujur lead from the front! 💪
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