Hockey India Announces Squads for Inaugural Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship 2026

July 14, 2026

New Delhi: Hockey India on Tuesday announced the Indian Sub-Junior men’s and women’s squads for the inaugural Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship 2026, scheduled to be held in Muscat, Oman, from July 20 to 25.

The continental tournament will also serve as the Asian qualifying event for the inaugural FIH U18 Youth Hockey5s World Cup, making it a crucial competition for the participating teams.

India Eye World Cup Qualification

Seven teams will compete in both the men’s and women’s events.

In the men’s competition, India will face hosts Oman, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh.

The women’s tournament features India, Pakistan, Oman, China, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Iran.

The squads were selected from the ongoing national camps in Chandigarh for the boys and Bhopal for the girls.

Sweety Kujur and Ketan Kushwaha to Lead India

The Sub-Junior women’s team will be captained by Sweety Kujur, while Ketan Kushwaha will lead the Sub-Junior men’s side.

The women’s squad includes Khili Kumari and Mahak Parihar as goalkeepers, Nilam Topno and Kiran Ekka in defence, while Diya, Pushpa Manjhi and Shruti Kumari have been named in midfield. Nousheen Naz and Sandeepa Kumari join captain Sweety Kujur in the forward line.

The men’s squad features Sawan Kumar and Ayush Rajak as goalkeepers, Karan Gautam and Ashish Tani Purti in defence, Rahul Yadav and Romit Pal in midfield, while Prahalad Rajbhar, Arshdeep Singh, Shahrukh Ali and captain Ketan Kushwaha will lead the attack.

Coaches Confident Ahead of Championship

Women’s coach Rani said the team has prepared well for the fast-paced Hockey5s format and expressed confidence in the players’ ability to perform against top Asian teams.

Men’s coach Sardar Singh said the selected players earned their places through consistent performances during the training camp and are ready to compete at the continental level.

With qualification for the FIH U18 Youth Hockey5s World Cup on the line, India will aim to make a strong start in the inaugural edition of the championship and continue its success in age-group international hockey.