India Names 24-Member U-18 Men’s and Women’s Hockey Squads for High-Intensity Australia Series in Bhopal Ahead of Asia Cup

The final squad selection follows an intensive national coaching camp, where an initial group of 42 players was systematically reduced to 24 per team after rigorous assessment of match fitness, performance consistency, and tactical adaptability under competitive conditions.

The Indian Women’s Under-18 team continues its preparation under the guidance of former Indian captain Rani. Speaking on the squad selection, she stated that the final 24 players were chosen based on consistency and development shown throughout the camp. She confirmed that Sweety Kujur will lead the side, noting her experience and tactical awareness as key factors in guiding a young squad. She further emphasized that the four-match series against Australia in Bhopal will serve as a decisive evaluation of the team’s strengths and areas requiring refinement before the Asia Cup.

The Indian Under-18 Men’s squad features Sawan Kumar, Ayush Rajak, and Vishal Bada as goalkeepers. The defensive line includes Ansh Bahutra, Ashish Tani Purti, Arman Soreng, Deepakprakash Toppo, Karan Gautam, and Karan Dhanuk. The midfield comprises Premchand Soy, Rahul Yadav, Varinder Singh, Romit Pal, Arjandeep Singh, Gursimranpreet Singh, Arshdip Singh, and Avi Manikpuri. The forward line includes Akash Deep, captain Ketan Kushwaha, Shahrukh Ali, Gazee Khan, Prahalad Rajbhar, Siddharth Ben, and Jaysan Kandulna.

The Indian Under-18 Women’s squad includes goalkeepers Mahak Parihar, Harry, and Khili Kumari. The defensive unit comprises Sugan Sanga, Nilam Topno, Rubina Baxla, Kiran Ekka, Divya Yadav, and Sulochani. The midfield features Shruti Kumari, Diya, Harshita, Rashmeen Kaur, Laminganbi Akoijam, Nancy Saroha, Tongbram Lanchenbi Devi, and Sneha Davde. The forward line includes Nousheen Naz, captain Sweety Kujur, Priyanka Minz, Sandeepa Kumari, Nammi Geetashree, Princess Priya Ekka, and Pushpa Manjhi.

The Men’s Under-18 squad is being supervised by former Indian hockey player Sardar Singh along with Rajnish Mishra. Commenting on the upcoming series, Sardar Singh stated that the selected 24 players have demonstrated readiness for international competition following a productive training camp. He emphasized that the matches against Australia are not routine fixtures but a critical test of tactical discipline and match temperament. He further highlighted Ketan Kushwaha’s leadership qualities and expressed anticipation regarding the team’s ability to handle the pace and intensity of Australian hockey ahead of the Asia Cup in Japan.

The match schedule in Bhopal will see the first day of competition on 15 May, with the Men’s match at 17:00 Indian Standard Time followed by the Women’s match at 19:00 Indian Standard Time at the Udhav Das Mehta Centre. On 17 May, the Women’s match will begin at 17:00 Indian Standard Time, followed by the Men’s match at 19:00 Indian Standard Time at the same venue. On 18 May, the Men’s match will again be played at 17:00 Indian Standard Time, while the Women’s match will be held at 19:00 Indian Standard Time. The series will conclude on 20 May, with the Men’s match scheduled at 10:00 Indian Standard Time and the Women’s match at 08:00 Indian Standard Time.

The selection of the final squads and the high-intensity series against Australia represent a decisive stage in India’s youth hockey development pathway, offering a final competitive platform before the teams enter continental championship competition in Japan.