Indian sports wrap, May 21: India men’s squad for U-18 Hockey Asia Cup

HOCKEY

Hockey India announces 18-member Indian Men’s squad for U-18 Asia Cup Kakamigahara 2026

Hockey India on Wednesday announced the 18-member India squad that will represent the nation at the upcoming Men’s Under-18 Asia Cup. The prestigious continental tournament, hosted by Japan, will take place from May 29 to June 6.

The squad was selected after a rigorous national coaching camp at Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central Centre in the Sports Authority of India, Bhopal, under the team’s coaching staff consisting of Sardar Singh and Rajnish Mishra. The team’s preparations included a high-profile four-match series against Australia U-18 as part of an exposure tour. The Indian team won one match and lost one, with the two other matches ending up as drawn affairs.

Forward Ketan Kushwaha will captain the Asia Cup side as it flies out to compete against the continent’s top youth teams.

The U-18 Asia Cup format will see the team battle through an intense group stage before the knockout rounds.

India will begin its campaign on the opening day, May 29, against Kazakhstan, followed by a highly anticipated match against host Japan on May 31. The team will then face South Korea on June 1 before wrapping up their pool-stage assignments against Chinese Taipei on June 3. The top teams will progress to the semifinals, which are scheduled for June 5. The tournament will culminate with the final and classification placement matches on June 6.

Commenting on the final squad for the tournament, coach Sardar Singh said, “The selection process was incredibly competitive, but we have picked an 18-member squad that gives us the perfect tactical balance. Our training in Bhopal and the exposure matches against a top-tier side like Australia gave these boys a great understanding of international pressure and match tempo.

“We have spent the last few weeks working heavily on our tactical discipline, penalty corner routines, and structure. The boys are in high spirits. Going into a major tournament like the Asia Cup, our objective is clear. We want to execute our plans effectively, top our group and put ourselves in the best possible position to bring home the trophy.”

-Team Sportstar

Published on May 21, 2026