Bhopal, 14 May (H.S.): The Indian U-18 men's and women's hockey teams are ready to play a crucial four-match series against Australia's U-18 teams as part of their preparations for the upcoming U-18 Asia Cup 2026. These matches will be held from May 15 to 20 at the Udbhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) SAI Central Centre in Bhopal.

This series is considered extremely important for both Indian teams, as they will participate in the U-18 Asia Cup starting May 29 in Kakamigahara, Japan.

The Indian teams were selected based on performances in the 16th Hockey India Sub-Junior National Championship 2026. Following that, players were chosen for the national training camp at SAI Bhopal, where they have undergone intensive training for the past month.

Former Indian captain Sardar Singh is coaching the men's team, while former captain Rani is training the women's team.

Young players selected from across the country are being molded into a cohesive unit for the first time. This series against a strong team like Australia will be a major opportunity to test team combination, strategy, and mental toughness.

Schedule for Indian Men's Team

Ketav Kushwaha will captain the Indian U-18 men's team. The team will play its first match on May 15 at 5 PM. The second match on May 17 at 7 PM, third match on May 18 at 5 PM, and the final match on May 20 at 10 AM.

Schedule for Indian Women's Team

Switi Kuzur will captain the women's team. The team's first match will be on May 15 at 7 PM. The second match on May 17 at 5 PM, third match on May 18 at 7 PM, and the final match on May 20 at 8 AM.

In the press conference held before the series, Indian men's team coach Sardar Singh said, “Hockey India's step is highly commendable. It is essential to work on these young players from now, as they will form the backbone of the Indian senior team in the future. This series against Australia will be a great test for the team.”

Indian women's team coach Rani said, “This is the first time our players in this age group are getting the opportunity to play against a team like Australia. It will be a huge learning experience for them and help them understand international-level challenges.”

Australia U-18 men's team coach Dan Mitchell said playing against India will be a great learning experience for his team, while women's team coach Matt Cook expressed hope that this tour will mark the beginning of stronger sporting ties between the two countries in the future.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar