India’s U-18 men’s and women’s hockey teams have left for Kakamigahara, Japan, to compete in the U-18 Asia Cup 2026 from May 29 to June 6. The men’s team departed from New Delhi on Monday, while the women’s team left on Tuesday, carrying high hopes after rigorous training and practice matches against Australia.
Both teams underwent extensive coaching camps at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central Centre in SAI, Bhopal. The men’s team was trained by coaches Sardar Singh and Rajnish Mishra, while former India captain Rani Rampal oversaw the women’s team camp.
In their final preparations, India’s junior squads engaged in a four-match series against Australian U-18 teams in Bhopal. The men’s team had one win, one loss, and two draws, while the women’s team concluded with a notable victory, gaining valuable international exposure before the upcoming tournament.
The Indian men’s team, led by forward Ketan Kushwaha, is in Pool A with Kazakhstan, Japan, Korea, and Chinese Taipei. Their first match is against Kazakhstan on May 29, followed by games against Japan, Korea, and Chinese Taipei. The top two teams from each pool will proceed to the semi-finals on June 5, with the final on June 6.
