Hockey India on Thursday announced an 18-member Indian junior women’s squad, along with two alternate players, for the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Moqi, China, from August 30 to September 13.
Midfielder Khaidem Shileima Chanu will captain the side, which has undergone an extensive training programme under newly appointed head coach Tim White, who took charge of the team earlier this year.
As part of its preparations for the continental tournament, the extended squad recently completed an exposure tour of the United Kingdom, gaining valuable international match experience ahead of the competition.
The AHF Junior Asia Cup will feature the continent’s leading junior teams and serve as a key platform for emerging Asian hockey talent. The tournament schedule and pool allocations will be announced closer to the event.
Expressing confidence in the squad, White said the players had earned their places through hard work and consistent improvement.
“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. 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,” he said.
Describing the tournament as an important opportunity to compete against Asia’s best teams, White urged the players to approach the event with confidence and discipline.
“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,” he added.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Nidhi, Engil Harsha Rani Minz
Defenders: Puja Sahoo, Supriya, Pooja Malik, Parwati Topno, Madhu
Midfielders: Khaidem Shileima Chanu (Captain), 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
(With inputs from IANS)
