New Delhi [India], May 22 (ANI): Hockey India on Friday introduced the 18-member Indian Women’s U-18 squad that can characterize the nation on the upcoming Women’s U18 Asia Cup Kakamigahara 2026. The prestigious continental event hosted by Japan will happen from May 29 to June 6.
According to a press launch, the Indian aspect heads into the event after a number of weeks of preparation on the nationwide camp in Bhopal, the place the teaching employees, led by Rani, centered on constructing mixtures, bettering match health and sharpening tactical execution.
The event will function a possibility for the younger Indian squad, captained by Sweety Kujur, to check themselves towards a few of Asia’s strongest groups.
As a part of the preparations, the Indian staff performed a four-match collection towards Australia in Bhopal, which the hosts ended with a confidence-boosting win.
Placed in Pool A, India will compete towards Korea, Malaysia and Singapore. India will open their marketing campaign towards Malaysia on May 30, adopted by the conflict towards Korea on May 31. The staff will then conclude its pool-stage fixtures with the match towards Singapore on June 2. The high two groups from Pool A and B will progress to the semi-finals scheduled on June 5, whereas the ultimate shall be performed on June 6.
Commenting on the ultimate squad for the event, coach Rani mentioned that the upcoming event will present the athletes with a superb platform to achieve worldwide publicity in addition to get an understanding of the calls for of high-pressure matches.
‘This event is a implausible platform for these younger athletes to achieve worldwide publicity and perceive the calls for of high-pressure matches. We have centered closely on health, tactical construction and staff coordination over the previous few weeks. The staff is happy and motivated to characterize the nation, and our purpose shall be to play fearless hockey and problem strongly for the title,’ Rani mentioned.
Indian Women’s U-18 Squad:
Goalkeepers: Mahak Parihar, Khili Kumari
Defenders: Sugan Sanga, Nilam Topno, Rubina Baxla, Kiran Ekka, Sulochani
Midfielders: Shruti Kumari, Diya, Sneha Davde, Rashmeen Kaur, Nammi Geetashree, Pushpa Manjhi
Forwards: Nousheen Naz, Sweety Kujur (captain), Priyanka Minz, Sandeepa Kumari, Nancy Saroha
India’s Match Schedule (All Times IST):
May 30, 2026: India vs Malaysia – 05:30 amMay 31, 2026: India vs Korea – 05:30 amJune 2, 2026: India vs Singapore – 09:30 am
Pool A: India, Korea, Malaysia, SingaporePool B: China, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Bangladesh. (ANI)