Hockey India names junior women's squad for AHF Junior Asia Cup

Hockey India has announced the 18-member junior women's team for the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026 in China. Khaidem Shileima Chanu will captain the squad, which recently returned from a UK exposure tour under the guidance of new coach Tim White.

Hockey India on Thursday announced the Indian junior women's team for the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Moqi, China, from 30 August to 13 September 2026. The squad comprises 18 players along with two alternate players and will be led by midfielder Khaidem Shileima Chanu, having undergone an extensive period of preparation under the guidance of newly appointed coach Tim White, who took charge of the team earlier this year, according to a press release.

Extensive Preparations and UK Tour

As part of their preparations for the continental tournament, an extended squad recently returned from a productive exposure tour of the United Kingdom. The tour provided the players with valuable international match experience and key learnings, strengthening preparations ahead of the Junior Asia Cup.

The tournament will bring together the continent's leading junior teams, serving as a key platform for the next generation of Asian hockey talent. The match schedule and pool compositions will be announced closer to the start of the tournament.

Coach Tim White Expresses Confidence

"I am proud of the commitment and determination these young players have shown in earning their place in the squad for the Junior Asia Cup," said coach White. "Over the past few months, they have worked tirelessly to improve every aspect of their game, and I have seen them grow both as individuals and as a team."

White urged the players to make the most of this opportunity and consider it as a launchpad to realise their bigger dreams. "This tournament is an important opportunity to test ourselves against Asia's best and continue our journey towards bigger goals. We will approach every match with confidence and discipline. I am confident this group has the talent and character to make the country proud."

The Squad

Goalkeepers: Nidhi, Engil Harsha Rani Minz Defenders: Puja Sahoo, Supriya, Pooja Malik, Parwati Topno, Madhu Midfielders: Khaidem Shileima Chanu (C), Tanuja Toppo, Binima Dhan, Roshni Aind, Geeta Yadav Forwards: Lalrinpuii, Purnima Yadav, Sukhveer Kaur, Krishna Sharma, Sanika Chandrakant Mane, Madhu Sidar Alternate Players: F Lalbiaksiami, Tanushree Dinesh Kadu. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)