India will face Malaysia in their opening match on May 30. The national team has been training in Bhopal for a month under coach Rani Rampal

Hockey India announced the national women’s squad to represent the country at the upcoming women’s U18 Asia Cup Kakamigahara 2026. The continental tournament will be held from May 29 to June 6 in Japan.

The tournament will serve as an opportunity for the young Indian squad to test themselves against some of Asia’s strongest teams.

As part of the preparations, the Indian team played a four-match series against Australia in Bhopal, which the hosts ended with a confidence-boosting win. The national team also attended month-long coaching camp in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh under hockey coach Rani Rampal.

Placed in Pool A, India will compete against Korea, Malaysia and Singapore. India will open their campaign against Malaysia on May 30, followed by the clash against Korea on May 31. The team will then conclude its pool-stage fixtures with the match against Singapore on June 2.

The top two teams from Pool A and B will progress to the semi-finals scheduled on June 5, while the final will be played on June 6.

 “The U18 Asia Cup is a fantastic platform for these young athletes to gain international exposure and understand the demands of high-pressure matches,” the national coach said.

National U-18 Squad: Goalkeepers: Mahak Parihar, Khili Kumari. Defenders: Sugan Sanga, Nilam Topno, Rubina Baxla, Kiran Ekka, Sulochani. Midfielders: Shruti Kumari, Diya, Sneha Davde, Rashmeen Kaur, Nammi Geetashree, Pushpa Manjhi. Forwards: Nousheen Naz, Sweety Kujur (captain), Priyanka Minz, Sandeepa Kumari, Nancy Saroha

Pool A: India, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore

Pool B: China, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Bangladesh.

EOM