Hockey India announces squad for AHF Women's Junior Asia Cup 2026
New Delhi, August 6
Hockey India on Thursday announced the Indian junior women's team for the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Moqi, China, from 30 August to 13 September 2026.
The squad comprises 18 players along with two alternate players and will be led by midfielder Khaidem Shileima Chanu, having undergone an extensive period of preparation under the guidance of newly appointed coach Tim White, who took charge of the team earlier this year, according to a press release.
As part of their preparations for the continental tournament, an extended squad recently returned from a productive exposure tour of the United Kingdom. The tour provided the players with valuable international match experience and key learnings, strengthening preparations ahead of the Junior Asia Cup.
The tournament will bring together the continent's leading junior teams, serving as a key platform for the next generation of Asian hockey talent. The match schedule and pool compositions will be announced closer to the start of the tournament.
"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 coach 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 urged the players to make the most of this opportunity and consider it as a launchpad to realise their bigger dreams.
"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."
The Squad:
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.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Nice to see a diverse squad from different states. This is how we build a strong bench for the senior team. Coach Tim White seems genuinely invested in their growth. Wishing them all the very best in China! ✨
Good to see the systematic approach. The UK tour is a smart move—getting familiar with different playing styles early on. Hope the team does well and we see a few of these players in the senior squad soon.
So proud of these young women! 💪 The future of Indian hockey looks bright. Special mention to the players from tribal communities—they deserve all the support. Best of luck for the tournament!
As someone who follows hockey globally, this is a well-structured program. The appointment of an international coach and exposure tours are exactly what junior teams need. Wishing the Indian girls success in China.
Solid squad announcement. But I wish Hockey India would give more visibility to women's hockey in regular media, not just during major tournaments. These players work just as hard as men’s team. Anyway, best of luck! 🏑
Wonderful to see such young talent being groomed. The coaching staff's emphasis on discipline and growth
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.