India Names Powerful Squad For Men’s U18 Asia Cup 2026

India announces 18-member squad for Men’s U18 Asia Cup 2026 in Japan, led by Ketan Kushwaha after intensive Bhopal training and Australia exposure matches ahead of the continental hockey championship.

Training sessions in Bhopal and exposure matches against Australia have laid the foundation for India’s preparations ahead of the Men’s U18 Asia Cup 2026, with Hockey India officially unveiling an 18-member squad for the prestigious continental tournament in Japan.

The competition will take place from May 29 to June 6 at Kakamigahara Hockey Stadium, where the country’s best young hockey talents will battle for Asian supremacy. Forward Ketan Kushwaha has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Indian side in the highly competitive event.

The squad was selected following an intensive national coaching camp held at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai ji) Central Centre at Sports Authority of India in Bhopal. The camp was supervised by chief coach Sardar Singh along with coach Rajnish Mishra.

As part of their preparations, the Indian U18 team also played a four-match exposure series against the Australia U18 side in Bhopal. The series provided valuable international experience for the players, who managed to secure one victory, suffered one defeat, and drew the remaining two matches. The coaching staff believes the series helped the players adapt to high-pressure situations and improve tactical awareness ahead of the Asia Cup.

India will open their campaign against Kazakhstan on May 29 before facing hosts Japan in a major clash on May 31. The team will then take on South Korea on June 1 and conclude the group stage against Chinese Taipei on June 3.

The tournament format promises intense competition, with only the top teams progressing to the semi-finals scheduled for June 5. The final and classification matches will be held on June 6.

Speaking after the announcement of the squad, Sardar Singh expressed confidence in the team’s balance and preparation. He stated that the selection process was extremely competitive and that the chosen squad offered the ideal tactical combination required for the tournament.

According to the chief coach, the exposure matches against Australia played a vital role in helping the players understand international match tempo and pressure situations. He also revealed that the coaching staff had focused extensively on tactical discipline, structural play, and penalty corner execution during the training camp.

Sardar Singh further said that the players were highly motivated heading into the tournament and that the team’s objective was to top the group stage and place themselves in a strong position to challenge for the title.

The squad includes a blend of promising defenders, creative midfielders, and attacking forwards capable of delivering quick and aggressive hockey. Goalkeepers Sawan Kumar and Ayush Rajak are expected to provide solidity at the back, while players such as Rahul Yadav, Premchand Soy, and Siddharth Ben will anchor the midfield unit.

In attack, captain Ketan Kushwaha will be supported by Akash Deep, Gazee Khan, Shahrukh Ali, and Prahalad Rajbhar, forming a forward line that the management hopes can deliver decisive performances during crucial matches.

With Indian hockey continuing to invest heavily in youth development, the upcoming tournament represents another important platform for the country’s next generation of stars to showcase their talent on the continental stage.