Hockey India has announced 84 players for the U-18 National Coaching Camp. The list includes 42 boys and 42 girls. The camp started on April 19, 2026, at Sports Authority of India centre in Bhopal.
Players were selected after the 16th Sub Junior National Championships. The camp is important for future selections. After one week, the squads will be reduced to 24 players each. These players will continue training for the U18 Asia Cup.
The U18 Asia Cup Kakamigahara 2026 will take place in Japan from May 29 to June 6. This camp will help prepare the teams for the tournament.
Final squads to be trimmed ahead of U18 Asia Cup 2026 in Japan
A key highlight of the camp is the exposure series. India’s U-18 teams will play practice matches against Australia’s U-18 sides. These matches will be held in Bhopal from May 11 to 21.
Former captain Rani Rampal will coach the women’s team. Sardar Singh and Rajnish Mishra will handle the men’s team.
Commenting on the camp, Men’s Coach Sardar Singh said,“This camp is a fantastic initiative by Hockey India to nurture the next generation of talent. Our primary focus will be on strengthening their foundational basics while introducing them to the tactical demands of modern hockey. I see immense potential in this group. We may see several of these players representing India at the senior level for the next 10 to 15 years. The upcoming series against Australia will provide these young boys with a vital taste of international pressure.”
Women’s Coach Rani Rampal said,“Our focus in Bhopal will be on refining individual skills and team structure. The exposure matches against Australia are a fantastic opportunity for the girls to test themselves against a world-class side. It is the best way to prepare them for the demands of the Asia Cup and beyond. Moreover, these young athletes are the future of the sport, and we want to ensure they develop the temperament required to dominate at the highest level for years to come.”
The men’s squad includes players from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab. The women’s squad is led by players from Jharkhand, with strong support from Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Odisha.
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