Indian Junior Hockey Teams Gear Up for AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026
Introduction to the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026
Photo: IANS
Moqi, September 3: The Indian junior men's and women's hockey squads are poised to defend their titles at the upcoming AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026, taking place from September 4 to 13. Both teams enter the tournament with impressive credentials and thorough preparations, eager to kick off their title defense successfully.
Women's Team Preparation and Leadership
The Indian women's team, which has claimed the AHF Junior Asia Cup trophy in the last two editions, will be captained by midfielder Khaidem Shileima Chanu this year. Under the guidance of newly appointed coach Tim White, who took over earlier this year, the team has engaged in a structured training regimen.
Exposure Tour and Tactical Readiness
To prepare for the continental competition, an extended squad participated in a valuable exposure tour in the United Kingdom, where they played seven high-intensity matches against teams such as Scotland Senior Women, USA U-21, England U-21, and Belgium U-21. This rigorous series provided the players with essential international match experience and insights into various playing styles.
The exposure tour also enhanced the squad's tactical understanding, improved match readiness, and bolstered overall preparation ahead of the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026.
Coach's Insights and Expectations
“Our first match is against South Korea on Saturday, and we are gearing up for that. The team has adapted well to the conditions here. Although the weather is cooler in Moqi, the environment is favorable, and we are excited for our opening match,” stated coach White.
“We have prepared thoroughly in Bengaluru over several months, including a tour of the UK and matches against a combined team. We believe our game is in good shape, and we are ready to face the top teams in Asia. We look forward to testing our game plan against the best,” he added.
Men's Team Overview and Preparation
The Indian junior men's team will also enter the AHF Junior Asia Cup as the defending champions, having secured the continental title five times, including the last three editions. Defender Anmol Ekka will lead the team, while new coach Frederic Soyez aims to start his tenure with a championship victory.
The squad has undergone extensive preparations, including an exposure tour in Belgium, where they faced strong international U-21 teams from Austria, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. This experience allowed them to assess their tactical and technical skills against high-level opponents.
Final Preparations and Expectations
Additionally, the team enhanced its match readiness with friendly games against the Malaysian U-21 side in Bengaluru, followed by a three-match series against the hosts, China, in Dalian.
“Our progress has been quite positive. The last match against China was encouraging,” remarked coach Soyez. “It significantly boosted our confidence as we head into the tournament. We spent a week in Dalian acclimatizing to the conditions before arriving in Moqi for our opening match against Indonesia on Saturday.”
“Our main goal for this tournament is to continue progressing, build confidence and consistency, maintain a solid defensive structure, and elevate our performance level with each match,” Soyez added.
Tournament Schedule and Conclusion
India will commence their Pool A campaign by facing Indonesia on September 5. The reigning champions will subsequently compete against Japan on September 6, South Korea on September 8, and Chinese Taipei on September 9.
With both Indian teams arriving as defending champions and having completed extensive preparation, the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026 offers a significant opportunity for India's emerging hockey talent to compete at the highest level in Asia and advance their international careers.