Indian U-18 Hockey Teams Gear Up for Series Against Australia

Upcoming Series Details

The Indian Men's and Women's U-18 Hockey Teams are scheduled to compete against their Australian counterparts in a four-match series from May 15 to May 20. This event will take place at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) SAI Central Centre located in Bhopal. This exposure tour is a vital preparatory step leading up to the Men's and Women's U-18 Asia Cup 2026, which is set to occur in Kakamigahara, Japan, starting May 29.

Focus on Player Development

This series represents the first significant international challenge for the young Indian teams, who were selected based on their performances during the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior National Championship 2026. Following this, they participated in a National Coaching Camp at SAI Bhopal.

In the past month, the players have engaged in rigorous training sessions, with the Indian U-18 Men's Team and Women's Team being coached by former Indian captains Sardar Singh and Rani, respectively.

The camp has united some of the finest junior talents from across the nation, allowing them to prepare as a cohesive unit for the upcoming series against Australia and the prestigious international tournament.

Match Schedule for India vs Australia U-18 Series

The Indian U-18 Men's Team, under the captaincy of Ketan Kushwaha, will kick off their series on May 15 at 5:00 PM IST. The subsequent matches are scheduled as follows:

| Date | Time (IST) | Match Type |

|------------|------------|--------------------|

| May 15 | 5:00 PM | Match 1 |

| May 17 | 7:00 PM | Match 2 |

| May 18 | 5:00 PM | Match 3 |

| May 20 | 10:00 AM | Match 4 |

The Indian U-18 Women's Team, led by Sweety Kujur, will start their series on May 15 at 7:00 PM IST, with their matches scheduled as follows:

| Date | Time (IST) | Match Type |

|------------|------------|--------------------|

| May 15 | 7:00 PM | Match 1 |

| May 17 | 5:00 PM | Match 2 |

| May 18 | 7:00 PM | Match 3 |

| May 20 | 8:00 AM | Match 4 |

Coaches' Insights Ahead of the Series

During a press conference at SAI Bhopal, Sardar Singh, the coach of the Indian U-18 Men's Team, expressed gratitude to Hockey India for prioritizing young talent. He emphasized the importance of focusing on technical details and fundamentals, stating, "This series against Australia will be a significant test for our team. Proper investment in these young players can greatly benefit Indian hockey in the long run."

Rani, the coach of the Indian U-18 Women's Team, highlighted the unique opportunity to compete against Australia at this level, noting the diverse backgrounds of the players and the challenge of fostering team unity. She remarked, "This is a learning phase for us as coaches, and ensuring the players remain injury-free is crucial."

Dan Mitchell, the coach of the Australia U-18 Men's Team, acknowledged the challenge posed by India, stating, "Playing against India will be a true test for us and a valuable learning experience for our players."

Matt Cook, the coach of the Australia U-18 Women's Team, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of adapting to international competition and fostering a stronger relationship between the two nations.