Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 7: Hockey India has announced the 24-member Indian U-18 men’s and women’s squads for a high-intensity series against Australia, scheduled to be held in Bhopal from May 15 to 20 at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) SAI Central Centre.
The four-match series will serve as a major preparatory assignment ahead of the Men’s and Women’s U-18 Asia Cup Kakamigahara 2026, which is set to take place in Kakamigahara from May 29 to June 6, 2026.
The squads were finalised after an intensive week-long National Coaching Camp, where 42 shortlisted players underwent rigorous assessment based on fitness, technical ability, and tactical adaptability before the final 24-member teams were selected.
Forward Ketan Kushwaha has been appointed captain of the Indian U-18 men’s side, while Sweety Kujur will lead the women’s team.
The men’s team is being coached by former Indian hockey star Sardar Singh alongside Rajnish Mishra. Speaking about the upcoming series, Sardar Singh said the Australia matches would provide crucial international exposure and help assess the team’s tactical discipline and match temperament ahead of the Asia Cup.
He added that Ketan Kushwaha has demonstrated strong leadership qualities on the field and expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to adapt to the fast-paced Australian style of play.
The women’s squad continues to train under the mentorship of former Indian captain Rani Rampal. She said the selected players had shown consistent growth and performance throughout the camp and described the Australia series as an ideal opportunity to evaluate the team’s strengths and identify areas requiring improvement before the continental tournament.
Indian U-18 Men’s Squad
Goalkeepers: Sawan Kumar, Ayush Rajak, Vishal Bada
Defenders: Ansh Bahutra, Ashish Tani Purti, Arman Soreng, Deepakprakash Toppo, Karan Gautam, Karan Dhanuk
Midfielders: Premchand Soy, Rahul Yadav, Varinder Singh, Romit Pal, Arjandeep Singh, Gursimranpreet Singh, Arshdip Singh, Avi Manikpuri
Forwards: Akash Deep, Ketan Kushwaha (Captain), Shahrukh Ali, Gazee Khan, Prahalad Rajbhar, Siddharth Ben, Jaysan Kandulna
Indian U-18 Women’s Squad
Goalkeepers: Mahak Parihar, Harry, Khili Kumari
Defenders: Sugan Sanga, Nilam Topno, Rubina Baxla, Kiran Ekka, Divya Yadav, Sulochani
Midfielders: Shruti Kumari, Diya, Harshita, Rashmeen Kaur, Laminganbi Akoijam, Nancy Saroha, Tongbram Lanchenbi Devi, Sneha Davde
Forwards: Nousheen Naz, Sweety Kujur (Captain), Priyanka Minz, Sandeepa Kumari, Nammi Geetashree, Princess Priya Ekka, Pushpa Manjhi