New Delhi: Forward Sweety Kujur has been named captain of the 18-member Indian squad for the upcoming Under-18 Women’s Hockey Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Kakamegahara, Japan, from May 29 to June 6, 2026.
The Indian team, coached by former Olympian Rani Rampal, will begin its campaign against Malaysia on May 30. India is placed in Pool A alongside South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore.
The tournament will feature top Asian teams, with the top two sides from each pool advancing to the semi-finals on June 5. The final will be played on June 6.
Before the tournament, the Indian squad underwent an intensive training camp in Bhopal and also gained valuable match practice through a four-match series against Australia.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, coach Rani Rampal said the championship will provide young players with crucial international exposure and help them understand the demands of high-pressure matches. She added that the team’s focus during training had been on fitness, tactical discipline, and coordination.
Rampal further stated that the objective is to play fearless hockey and mount a strong challenge for the title.
India Squad
Goalkeepers: Mahak Parihar, Khili Kumari
Defenders: Sugan Sanga, Neelam Topno, Rubina Baxla, Kiran Ekka, Sulochani
Midfielders: Shruti Kumari, Diya, Sneha Dawade, Rashmin Kaur, Nammi Gitashree, Pushpa Manjhi
Forwards: Naushin Naz, Sweety Kujur (Captain), Priyanka Minz, Sandeepa Kumari, Nancy Saroha
India Match Schedule (IST)
- May 30: India vs Malaysia (5:30 AM)
- May 31: India vs South Korea (5:30 AM)
- June 2: India vs Singapore (9:30 AM)
- June 5: Semi-finals
- June 6: Final and placement matches
India will look to make a strong start in the group stage as the young squad aims to build momentum in the continental tournament.
