Hockey India has revealed a roster of 84 players, split evenly between men and women, for the upcoming U-18 National Coaching Camp set to kick off at SAI Bhopal. These players have been chosen based on their performance at the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior National Championships. Following an initial evaluation period, the group of 42 will be trimmed down to 24 players who will undergo intensive training as part of the final preparations for the Men’s and Women’s U18 Asia Cup Kakamigahara 2026 in Japan from May 29 to June 6.
The coaching camp will feature an exposure series at SAI Bhopal, where the Indian Men’s and Women’s U-18 teams will face off against Australia’s U-18 squads from May 11 to 21. This camp serves as the ultimate selection platform for the teams that will represent India at the U18 Asia Cup. Rani Rampal will lead the Women’s camp, while Sardar Singh and Rajnish Mishra will oversee the Men’s camp.
Men’s coach Sardar Singh expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing the focus on strengthening the players’ foundational skills and introducing them to modern hockey tactics. He sees great potential in the group, foreseeing many of them representing India at the senior level for the next decade or more. The upcoming series against Australia is seen as crucial in providing these young players with exposure to international pressure.
Women’s coach Rani Rampal highlighted the camp’s emphasis on refining individual skills and team structure. The matches against Australia present a valuable opportunity for the girls to test themselves against a top-tier team, preparing them for the challenges of the Asia Cup and beyond. The coaches aim to develop the temperament of these young athletes to excel at the highest levels of the sport in the years to come.
