Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], May 21 (ANI): Hockey India has introduced the 18-member Indian U-18 Men’s squad that may symbolize the nation on the upcoming Men’s U18 Asia Cup Kakamigahara 2026. The prestigious continental match hosted by Japan will happen from May 29 to June 6.
The squad, introduced on Wednesday, was chosen after a rigorous National Coaching Camp at Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai ji) Central Centre at SAI Bhopal underneath the crew’s teaching employees consisting of Sardar Singh and Rajnish Mishra.
The crew’s preparations included a high-profile four-match collection in opposition to the Australia U-18 crew in Bhopal as a part of an publicity tour. Forward Ketan Kushwaha will captain the Asia Cup aspect as they fly out to compete in opposition to Asia’s high youth groups, in accordance with a press launch from Hockey India.
Gearing up for the match, the Indian crew received one match in opposition to Australia U18 and misplaced one. Two matches ended up as drawn affairs.
The U18 Asia Cup format will see the Indian crew battle by an intense group stage earlier than the knockout rounds. India will start their marketing campaign on the opening day, May 29, in opposition to Kazakhstan, adopted by a extremely anticipated match in opposition to hosts Japan on May 31.
The crew will then face South Korea on June 1, earlier than wrapping up their pool-stage assignments in opposition to Chinese Taipei on June 3. The high groups will progress to the semi-finals, that are scheduled for June 5. The match will culminate with the Final and classification placement matches on June 6.
Commenting on the ultimate squad for the match, Coach Sardar Singh mentioned, ‘The choice course of was extremely aggressive, however we’ve got picked an 18-member squad that provides us the proper tactical stability. Our coaching in Bhopal and the publicity matches in opposition to a top-tier aspect like Australia gave these boys an excellent understanding of worldwide stress and match tempo. We have spent the previous couple of weeks working closely on our tactical self-discipline, penalty nook routines, and construction. The boys are in excessive spirits, and going into a serious match just like the Asia Cup, our goal is clear–we need to execute our plans successfully, high our group and put ourselves in the absolute best place to deliver house the trophy.’
Indian U-18 Men’s Squad:
Goalkeepers: Sawan Kumar, Ayush Rajak
Defenders: Ansh Bahutra, Arman Soreng, Ashish Tani Purti, Arshdip Singh, Avi Manikpuri, Romit Pal
Midfielders: Rahul Yadav, Premchand Soy, Varinder Singh, Karan Gautam, Siddharth Ben
Forwards: Ketan Kushwaha (Captain), Akash Deep, Gazee Khan, Shahrukh Ali, Prahalad Rajbhar
India’s Match Schedule (All Times IST):
May 29, 2026: India vs Kazakhstan – 09:30 Hrs
May 31, 2026: India vs Japan – 13:30 Hrs
June 1, 2026: India vs South Korea – 15:30 Hrs
June 3, 2026: India vs Chinese Taipei – 13:30 Hrs. (ANI)