Bhopal, 22 May (H.S.):

Hockey India on Friday announced the 18-member Indian women’s team for the Women’s U-18 Asia Cup Kakamigahara 2026, which will be held in Japan. The prestigious tournament will take place from May 29 to June 6, 2026.

Under the guidance of coach Rani, the Indian team prepared at a month-long national training camp in Bhopal. During the camp, special emphasis was placed on players’ fitness, team combination and tactical play. Sweety Kujur will lead the side as captain.

As part of its preparations for the tournament, the Indian team also played a four-match series against Australia in Bhopal, winning the final match and boosting the team’s confidence.

India has been placed in Pool A alongside South Korea, Malaysia and Singapore. The Indian team will begin its campaign against Malaysia on May 30, followed by matches against South Korea on May 31 and Singapore on June 2. The top two teams from both pools will qualify for the semifinals on June 5, while the final will be played on June 6.

After the team announcement, coach Rani said, “This tournament is a wonderful opportunity for young players to gain international-level experience and understand high-pressure matches. Over the past few weeks, we have worked hard on fitness, strategy and team coordination. The team is excited to represent the country, and our aim will be to present a strong challenge for the title by playing fearless hockey.”

Indian Women’s U-18 Team

Goalkeepers: Mahak Parihar, Khili Kumari

Defenders: Sugan Sanga, Neelam Topno, Rubina Baksla, Kiran Ekka, Sulochni

Midfielders: Shruti Kumari, Diya, Sneha Davade, Rashmin Kaur, Nami Geetashree, Pushpa Manjhi

Forwards: Nausheen Naaz, Sweety Kujur (captain), Priyanka Minz, Sandeepa Kumari, Nancy Saroha

India’s Match Schedule (IST)

May 30, 2026: India vs Malaysia – 5:30 a.m.

May 31, 2026: India vs South Korea – 5:30 a.m.

June 2, 2026: India vs Singapore – 9:30 a.m.

Pool Standings

Pool A: India, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore.

Pool B: China, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Bangladesh.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar