Hockey India Announces U-18 Men’s and Women’s Squads for Australia Series

Hockey India has announced the 24-member Indian U-18 men’s and women’s squads for the upcoming four-match series against Australia, scheduled to be held in Bhopal from May 15 to 20.

The high-intensity series will serve as a key preparatory assignment for both teams ahead of the Men’s and Women’s U-18 Asia Cup 2026, set to take place in Kakamigahara, Japan, from May 29 to June 6.

Forward Ketan Kushwaha has been named captain of the Indian U-18 men’s side, while Sweety Kujur will lead the women’s squad. The teams were selected after a rigorous evaluation process during the national coaching camp in Bhopal, where the initial group of 42 players in each category was trimmed down based on fitness, consistency, and tactical adaptability.

The Indian men’s team is being coached by former India captain Sardar Singh alongside Rajnish Mishra. Speaking about the squad selection, Sardar Singh said the Australia series would provide an important test of the team’s temperament and tactical discipline before the Asia Cup challenge.

Meanwhile, the women’s team continues to train under former Indian captain Rani Rampal, who described the series as the “ultimate dress rehearsal” before the continental tournament in Japan. She added that facing a strong side like Australia would help the team identify areas requiring improvement ahead of the Asia Cup.

The matches will be played at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) SAI Central Centre in Bhopal, with Hockey India viewing the exposure series as a major step in preparing the next generation of players for international competition.

Australia has also announced its U-18 squads for the India tour, with Hockey Australia calling the series an important part of its long-term development pathway leading toward the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.