Hockey India Announce Women’s U18 Squad For Asia Cup 2026 As India Target Continental Glory
Hockey India on Friday announced the 18-member Indian Women’s U18 squad for the upcoming Women’s U18 Asia Cup Kakamigahara 2026, with forward Sweety Kujur set to lead the side in Japan.
The continental tournament will take place from May 29 to June 6 and will feature some of Asia’s strongest junior hockey nations, including hosts Japan, China, South Korea and Chinese Taipei. For India’s young squad, the competition represents a major opportunity to test themselves internationally while continuing the country’s strong tradition in women’s junior hockey.
India head into the tournament after an intensive month-long training camp in Bhopal under former India captain and coach Rani. The camp focused heavily on fitness, tactical organisation and improving team combinations ahead of what promises to be a highly competitive tournament. The preparation phase also included a four-match exposure series against Australia’s U18 team in Bhopal earlier this month. Although the Australian side won the overall series, India ended the campaign on a positive note with a dominant 4-1 victory in the final match a performance that significantly boosted confidence within the squad before departure for Japan.
That final win against Australia offered encouraging signs for Indian hockey.
The Indian forwards looked sharper in transition, the midfield pressed aggressively and the defensive structure appeared far more organised compared to the opening matches of the series. Importantly, players who will now form the core of the Asia Cup squad gained valuable experience against physically strong opposition.
Captain Sweety Kujur was among the standout performers during the Australia series and now carries the responsibility of leading India through the continental competition. The forward impressed with her energy, pressing and attacking movement throughout the exposure matches. Alongside players like Priyanka Minz, Nousheen Naz and Sandeepa Kumari, India appear to possess a forward line capable of troubling most teams in the tournament.
India have been placed in Pool A alongside Korea, Malaysia and Singapore. Their campaign begins against Malaysia on May 30 before a crucial clash against Korea the following day. India will then conclude their group-stage fixtures against Singapore on June 2.
The match against Korea is likely to determine top position in the group. Traditionally, South Korea have been one of Asia’s most tactically disciplined hockey nations at junior level. Their structured pressing and quick passing combinations often make them difficult opponents in youth competitions. India will therefore need to produce one of their best performances if they hope to top Pool A.
Malaysia and Singapore may appear less intimidating on paper, but India cannot afford complacency. Junior tournaments often produce unpredictable results, especially when teams are still developing consistency at the international level. The top two teams from each pool will qualify for the semifinals scheduled for June 5, with the final to be played on June 6. Speaking after the squad announcement, coach Rani emphasised the importance of the tournament for the development of India’s next generation of players.
“This tournament is a fantastic platform for these young athletes to gain international exposure and understand the demands of high-pressure matches,” Rani said. “We have focused heavily on fitness, tactical structure and team coordination over the past few weeks. The team is excited and motivated to represent the country, and our aim will be to play fearless hockey and challenge strongly for the title.”
Rani’s influence on the junior setup has already started becoming visible during the preparatory phase. Known for her aggressive playing style during her international career, the former India captain has encouraged the team to play with higher intensity and greater attacking confidence.
That approach was particularly noticeable during India’s final match against Australia, where the team pressed aggressively and attacked with far greater freedom.
The midfield unit could become especially important in Japan.
Players such as Shruti Kumari, Diya, Sneha Davde and Rashmeen Kaur will be responsible for controlling transitions and maintaining structure against stronger opposition. During the Australia series, India occasionally struggled when opponents increased tempo through midfield, making this area a key focus ahead of the Asia Cup. Defensively, India will depend heavily on Sugan Sanga, Nilam Topno, Rubina Baxla and Kiran Ekka to maintain composure under pressure. Goalkeepers Mahak Parihar and Khili Kumari will also carry significant responsibility, particularly during tighter matches against Korea and potentially Japan or China in the knockout stages.
For Indian hockey overall, the tournament represents another important step in strengthening the country’s youth pipeline.
The senior women’s team has already shown consistent improvement internationally over the last few years, and maintaining that progress depends heavily on developing strong junior structures. Several members of the current senior squad previously emerged through age-group competitions similar to the U18 Asia Cup. Strong performances in Japan could therefore play a major role in shaping the future of Indian women’s hockey.
And with confidence growing after the Australia exposure tour, this young Indian side will travel to Kakamigahara believing they can compete strongly for the continental crown.
India Women’s U18 Squad For Asia Cup 2026
Goalkeepers: Mahak Parihar, Khili Kumari
Defenders: Sugan Sanga, Nilam Topno, Rubina Baxla, Kiran Ekka, Sulochani
Midfielders: Shruti Kumari, Diya, Sneha Davde, Rashmeen Kaur, Nammi Geetashree, Pushpa Manjhi
Forwards: Nousheen Naz, Sweety Kujur (Captain), Priyanka Minz, Sandeepa Kumari, Nancy Saroha
India’s Match Schedule (IST)
May 30: India vs Malaysia – 05:30 AM
May 31: India vs Korea – 05:30 AM
June 2: India vs Singapore – 09:30 AM
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