The Indian junior men’s hockey team has set off from Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru for an exposure tour of Belgium. The team, led by new coach Frederic Soyez, will engage in six matches against Austria, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands from July 7 to 17, 2026. This tour is crucial for their preparation for upcoming international competitions, including the Junior Asia Cup.
Matches will be played in two rounds against Austria and Belgium, and single matches against Germany and the Netherlands. The majority of the matches will take place at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, with the final game against the Netherlands scheduled at the Hockey Centre of Excellence in Antwerp. This tour marks the team’s initial assignment under Coach Soyez and serves as a vital phase of readiness for the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior Asia Cup later this year.
The exposure tour aims to provide the young Indian side with valuable international match experience to test their combinations and playing style before the continental tournament. Defender Anmol Ekka will captain the team during this tour, with Vivek Lakra and Kunal Tewatia in goalkeeping roles. The defensive lineup includes Anmol Ekka, Rohit Kullu, Chirag, Ravinder, Prasant Barla, Sanjit Tirkey, and V. Manimaran.
The midfield will be managed by Adrohit Ekka, Harpal, Jeetpal, Mukesh Toppo, Mannu Malik, and Ritik Lakra, while the forward line comprises Ajeet Yadav, Prabhdeep Singh, Arjun Hargude, Aryan Xess, Lovenoor Singh, Mohd. Konain Dad, and Gurusewak Singh. Notably, four members of the squad – Anmol Ekka, Adrohit Ekka, Ajeet Yadav, and Rohit Kullu – were part of the team that clinched the bronze medal at the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025, bringing valuable international experience to the current tour.
