India Announces Men's Hockey Team for AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026
Men's Hockey Team Set for AHF Junior Asia Cup
New Delhi, August 8: Hockey India has officially announced the 18-member men's squad for the upcoming AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in Moqi, China, from August 30 to September 13.
Defender Anmol Ekka will lead the team, which is currently undergoing training at the Sports Authority of India facility in Bengaluru, under the direction of newly appointed coach Frederic Soyez.
In preparation for the tournament, the squad recently completed a successful exposure tour in Belgium, where they faced formidable international teams. This experience provided the players with essential match practice and insights, allowing them to evaluate their progress, enhance their teamwork, and further solidify their readiness for the AHF Junior Asia Cup.
The team is also engaging in friendly matches against the Malaysian U-21 squad at the SAI center in Bengaluru to gain additional competitive experience.
Regarding the squad selection, coach Soyez expressed satisfaction with the team's balance and depth, stating, “We are pleased with the balance and depth of the squad selected for the Junior Asia Cup. The players have worked hard over the past few months, showing commitment, discipline, and a strong desire to improve. Selection was based on consistent performances, attitude, and the ability to execute our game plan under pressure.”
The AHF Junior Asia Cup is recognized as one of the leading junior hockey tournaments in Asia, featuring the continent's top emerging teams in a highly competitive setting. This event will provide India's young players with a chance to challenge themselves against the best in the region, aiming to make a significant impact.
“It will be a highly competitive tournament, and we respect every opponent. Our focus will be on playing disciplined, attacking hockey while staying true to our structure,” Soyez added.
Emphasizing the tournament's importance for player development, the coach remarked, “This tournament is also an important step in the players’ development, and we are confident this group has the potential to deliver strong performances and make the country proud.”
The match schedule and pool allocations will be revealed as the tournament date approaches.
The Indian squad includes:
Goalkeepers: Vivek Lakra, Kunal Tewatia
Defenders: Anmol Ekka (C), Rohit Kullu, Chirag, Ravinder, Ashu Maurya, Sanjit Tirkey, Sukhvinder
Midfielders: Adrohit Ekka, Harpal, Jeetpal, Manmeet Singh Rai
Forwards: Ajeet Yadav, Prabhdeep Singh, Gursewak Singh, Aryan Xess, Lovenoor Singh
Alternate Players: Arjun Santosh Hargude, Ritik Lakra.