Bhopal, May 7: Hockey India has announced the 24-member Indian Under-18 men’s and women’s teams for the upcoming series against Australia. The series will take place from May 15 to 20 at the Uddhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) SAI Central Centre in Bhopal.
This four-match series is a crucial part of the teams’ final preparations for the Under-18 Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Kakamegahara, Japan, from May 29 to June 6, 2026. The final 24 players were selected after a week of rigorous assessment during the national coaching camp, where the initial group of 42 players was evaluated based on match fitness and technical skills.
Ketan Kushwaha has been appointed as the captain of the Indian Under-18 men’s team, while Sweety Kujur will lead the women’s team.
Former hockey player Sardar Singh, who is coaching the men’s team, stated, “After a productive week at the camp, we have identified the 24 players we believe are ready for international play. The matches against Australia are not just practice games; they will test our mindset and technical abilities. Ketan is a natural leader on the pitch, and I am eager to see how this group handles the speed and pressure of the Australian style before heading to the Asia Cup in Japan.”
The women’s team coach, former Indian captain Rani Rampal, remarked, “We have included 24 players in the squad, all of whom performed excellently at the camp. Sweety has the necessary experience and vision to lead this young team effectively. Playing against a top team like Australia in Bhopal will give us a clear picture of our strengths and areas that need improvement. This series serves as a rehearsal for the girls ahead of the Asia Cup.”
Men’s Under-18 Hockey Team for the Australia Series:
Goalkeepers: Sawan Kumar, Ayush Rajak, Vishal Bada
Defenders: Ansh Bahuta, Ashish Tani Purti, Armaan Soreng, Deepak Prakash Toppo, Karan Gautam, Karan Dhanuk
Midfielders: Premchand Soy, Rahul Yadav, Varinder Singh, Romit Pal, Arjandeep Singh, Gursimranpreet Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Avi Manikpuri
Forwards: Akash Deep, Ketan Kushwaha (Captain), Shah Rukh Ali, Ghazi Khan, Prahlad Rajbhar, Siddharth Ben, Jayson Kandulna
Women’s Under-18 Hockey Team for the Australia Series:
Goalkeepers: Mahak Parihar, Harry, Khili Kumari
Defenders: Sugan Sanga, Neelam Topno, Rubina Baksla, Kiran Ekka, Divya Yadav, Sulochani
Midfielders: Shruti Kumari, Diya, Harshita, Rashmin Kaur, Lamingnabi Akoijam, Nancy Saroh, Tongbram Lunchenbi Devi, Sneha Dawade
Forwards: Nausheen Naz, Sweety Kujur (Captain), Priyanka Minj, Sandipa Kumari, Nami Geetashree, Princess Priya Ekka, Pushpa Manjhi
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