Hockey India Announces U18 Men’s, Women’s Squad for Australia Series

-Bhopal: Hockey India on Thursday announced the 24-member India U-18 Men’s and Women’s squad for the home series against Australia from May 15-20. The four-match series to be played at SAI Bhopal is a critical part of the teams’ preparations for the Men’s and Women’s U-18 Asian Cup to be held in Kakamigahara, Japan from May 29 to June 6.

Squad members were selected after a week of rigorous evaluation at the national coaching camp; Here, the first group of 42 players was narrowed down according to match fitness and tactical adaptation.

Striker Ketan Kushwaha will be the captain of the India U-18 men’s team, while Sweety Kujur will lead the India U-18 women’s team.

“After a productive week in camp, we have identified 24 players who we believe are ready for international recognition. These matches against Australia are not just training games, but also a vital test of our match temperament and tactical discipline.

Men’s team coach Sardar Singh said: “Ketan is a natural leader and I can’t wait to see how this group copes with Australian-style pace and pressure before we head to the U-18 Asia Cup in Japan.”

“We divided the squad into 24 players who showed the highest consistency and improvement throughout the camp. Sweety has the experience and vision to effectively manage this young team.

“Playing in Bhopal against a top team like Australia will give us a clear picture of our strengths and areas that need adjustment. This series is the best dress rehearsal for the girls before the Asian Cup,” said Rani Rampal, head coach of the women’s team.

U-18 Men’s Team

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Goalkeepers: Sawan Kumar, Ayush Rajak, Vishal Bada; Defenders: Ansh Bahutra, Ashish Tani Purti, Arman Soreng, Deepakprakash Toppo, Karan Gautam, Karan Dhanuk; Midfielders: Premchand Soy, Rahul Yadav, Varinder Singh, Romit Pal, Arjandeep Singh, Gursimranpreet Singh, Arshdip Singh, Avi Manikpuri; Forwards: Akash Deep, Ketan Kushwaha (Captain), Shahrukh Ali, Gazee Khan, Prahalad Rajbhar, Siddharth Ben, Jaysan Kandulna

U-18 Women’s Team

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Goalkeepers: Mahak Parihar, Harry, Khili Kumari; Defenders: Sugan Sanga, Nilam Topno, Rubina Baxla, Kiran Ekka, Divya Yadav, Sulocani; Midfielders: Shruti Kumari, Diya, Harshita, Rashmeen Kaur, Laminganbi Akoijam, Nancy Saroha, Tongbram Lanchenbi Devi, Sneha Davde; Forwards: Nousheen Naz, Sweety Kujur (Captain), Priyanka Minz, Sandeepa Kumari, Nammi Geetashree, Princess Priya Ekka, Pushpa Manjhi.