~Ketan Kushwaha and Sweety Kujur to Lead; Four-Match Series Against Australia in Bhopal~
Bhopal, May 7 (HS): Hockey India announced the 24-member Indian men's and women's Under-18 teams for the upcoming series against Australia on Thursday. This four-match series will be played from May 15 to 20, 2026, at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) SAI Central Centre in Bhopal.
This four-match series is considered extremely important for preparations for the Men's and Women's Under-18 Asia Cup scheduled from May 29 to June 6, 2026, in Kakamigahara, Japan. From an initial group of 42 players during the national coaching camp, the final 24 players were selected based on fitness and tactical adaptability.
Forward player Ketan Kushwaha has been entrusted with the captaincy of the Indian Under-18 men's team, while Sweety Kujur will lead the women's team.
The men's team is being coached by former Indian hockey player Sardar Singh and Rajnish Mishra. Regarding the upcoming matches, Sardar Singh said, After spending a useful week in camp, we have selected those 24 players whom we consider ready for international level. These matches against Australia are not just practice games but a major test of the players' mental balance and tactical discipline. Ketan is a natural leader on the field, and I want to see how this team handles the pressure and pace of the Australian style.
The women's team is training under the guidance of former Indian captain Rani Rampal. On the team selection, Rani said, We have trimmed the team to 24 players who showed the most consistency and development during the camp. Sweety has the necessary experience and vision to lead this young team. Playing four matches against a strong team like Australia in Bhopal will give us a clear assessment of our strengths and weaknesses. This series is the team's final major preparation before the Asia Cup.
Indian Under-18 Men's Team:
Goalkeepers: Sawan Kumar, Ayush Rajak, Vishal Bada
Defenders: Ansh Bahutra, Ashish Tani Purti, Armaan Soreng, Deepakprakash Toppo, Karan Gautam, Karan Dhanuk
Midfielders: Premchand Soy, Rahul Yadav, Varinder Singh, Romit Pal, Arjandeep Singh, Gursimranpreet Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Avi Manikpuri
Forwards: Aakash Deep, Ketan Kushwaha (Captain), Shaharukh Ali, Ghazi Khan, Prahlad Rajbhar, Siddharth Ben, Jason Kandulna
Indian Under-18 Women's Team:
Goalkeepers: Mahak Parihar, Hari, Khili Kumari
Defenders: Sugan Sanga, Neelam Topno, Rubina Bakxla, Kiran Ekka, Divya Yadav, Sulochani
Midfielders: Shruti Kumari, Diya, Harshita, Rashmeen Kaur, Lamingnambi Akoijam, Nancy Saroha, Tongbram Lanchenbi Devi, Sneha Dawade
Forwards: Nausheen Naz, Sweety Kujur (Captain), Priyanka Minj, Sandipa Kumari, Nammi Geetashree, Princess Priya Ekka, Pushpa Manjhi
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
