The Indian men’s and women’s U-18 hockey teams are set to compete against Australia’s U-18 teams in a four-match series from May 15 to 20 at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central Centre in Bhopal. The series comes after the U-18 National Coaching Camp that commenced on April 19, 2026, at SAI Bhopal, serving as crucial preparation for the U18 Asia Cup in Kakamigahara later this month.
The women’s team will kick off their series against Australia on May 15, with subsequent matches on May 17, 18, and 20. On the other hand, the men’s team will start their series on May 15, followed by matches on May 17, 18, and 20.
Men’s coach Sardar Singh emphasized the advancements achieved during the camp and the significance of the upcoming matches. He mentioned, “We’ve had a very productive phase here at SAI Bhopal, and the players have responded well to the intensity and expectations. A key focus during this camp has been to strengthen their fundamentals and basics across all positions, so they are better prepared for the demands of modern hockey and can steadily progress towards the senior level.”
The upcoming matches against Australia’s U18 teams are seen as a crucial part of the team’s preparation. These games will provide valuable exposure to high-quality international competition, allowing the team to test combinations and enhance their match temperament ahead of the U18 Asia Cup. Coach Singh highlighted the importance of these fixtures in identifying the best squad to represent India.
Women’s Coach Rani Rampal echoed similar sentiments, stating, “The camp at SAI Bhopal has been a good phase for us to work with the players, and we’re happy with how they’ve approached it. The matches against Australia’s U-18 team will give them a great chance to play at a higher level and prepare for the U-18 Asia Cup. It’s an opportunity for each player to showcase their ability and what they have learned.”
