Hockey India has announced the 18-member Indian men’s U18 squad for the upcoming Men’s U18 Asia Cup 2026, set to take place from May 29 to June 6 in Kakamigahara.
The squad was finalised following an intensive national coaching camp held at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central Centre at the Sports Authority of India facility in Bhopal. The team was trained under the guidance of former Indian hockey star Sardar Singh alongside coach Rajnish Mishra.
Forward Ketan Kushwaha has been appointed captain of the side as India prepares to take on some of Asia’s strongest junior teams.
As part of their preparations, the Indian squad recently played a four-match exposure series against the Australia U18 team in Bhopal. India secured one victory, suffered one defeat, while the remaining two matches ended in draws, providing the young squad valuable international experience ahead of the continental tournament.
India will begin their Asia Cup campaign against Kazakhstan on May 29 before facing hosts Japan 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 semi-finals are scheduled for June 5, with the final and classification matches to be played on June 6.
Speaking about the squad selection and preparations, chief coach Sardar Singh said the camp was highly competitive and helped identify a balanced combination capable of adapting tactically during the tournament. He added that the exposure games against Australia allowed the players to better understand the intensity and pressure of international hockey.
The coaching staff has focused heavily on tactical discipline, defensive structure, and penalty corner execution during the training camp, with the team aiming to top the group stage and challenge strongly for the title.
India U18 Men’s Squad for Asia Cup 2026
Goalkeepers:
Sawan Kumar, Ayush Rajak
Defenders:
Ansh Bahutra, Arman Soreng, Ashish Tani Purti, Arshdip Singh, Avi Manikpuri, Romit Pal
Midfielders:
Rahul Yadav, Premchand Soy, Varinder Singh, Karan Gautam, Siddharth Ben
Forwards:
Ketan Kushwaha (Captain), Akash Deep, Gazee Khan, Shahrukh Ali, Prahalad Rajbhar
India’s Match Schedule (IST)
- May 29: India vs Kazakhstan – 9:30 AM
- May 31: India vs Japan – 1:30 PM
- June 1: India vs South Korea – 3:30 PM
- June 3: India vs Chinese Taipei – 1:30 PM