Hockey India Announces 22-Member Indian Junior Men's Squad for Belgium Tour Ahead of Junior Asia Cup

Hockey India has announced a 22-member Indian Junior (U-21) Men's Hockey Team for an exposure tour of Belgium, scheduled from July 5 to 18, 2026. The tour marks the first assignment for newly appointed head coach Frederic Soyez and will play a crucial role in the team's preparations for the FIH Hockey Men's Junior Asia Cup later this year.

The young Indian side will face some of Europe's strongest junior hockey teams during the two-week tour, providing valuable international exposure as the squad builds towards one of its biggest tournaments of the season.

Defender Anmol Ekka has been named captain of the touring squad, with the responsibility of leading a promising group that blends international experience with emerging talent.

India will play six matches during the Belgium tour against four leading European hockey nations. The campaign begins with back-to-back matches against Austria on July 7 and 8 before facing hosts Belgium on July 10. The Indian colts will then take on Germany on July 13, meet Belgium again on July 14 and conclude the tour against the Netherlands on July 17.

The fixture list has been designed to test the team against different playing styles and tactical systems, giving the players an opportunity to adapt to the pace and physicality of European hockey. With the Junior Asia Cup on the horizon, these matches are expected to provide valuable insights into combinations, tactical execution and individual performances.

The Belgium tour also marks the beginning of Frederic Soyez's tenure as the head coach of the Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team. The experienced coach believes the tour will be about much more than results, with the focus firmly on long-term development. Speaking after the squad announcement, Soyez said he expects the tour to help the team improve its tactical discipline, on-field connections and efficiency during key moments of matches. He also highlighted the importance of building unity and confidence within the squad while helping the players understand the demands of competing consistently at the highest international level.

The exposure tour will therefore serve as an important evaluation period for the coaching staff as they continue shaping the squad ahead of major international competitions.

Anmol Ekka's appointment as captain reflects the leadership qualities he has demonstrated in recent years. The defender is among four players in the current squad who were also part of the Indian team that won the bronze medal at the FIH Men's Junior Hockey World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025. Joining him from that successful campaign are Adrohit Ekka, Ajeet Yadav and Rohit Kullu, all of whom bring valuable international experience to an otherwise youthful squad.

Their familiarity with high-pressure international tournaments is expected to play an important role in guiding several players who will be representing India at this level for the first time.

The goalkeeping responsibilities will be shared by Vivek Lakra and Kunal Tewatia, both of whom have impressed through the domestic age-group system. The defensive unit includes captain Anmol Ekka, Rohit Kullu, Chirag, Ravinder, Prasant Barla, Sanjit Tirkey and V. Manimaran, providing both experience and depth. India's midfield features Adrohit Ekka, Harpal, Jeetpal, Mukesh Toppo, Mannu Malik and Ritik Lakra, a group expected to dictate the tempo while linking defence and attack.

Leading the attack are Ajeet Yadav, Prabhdeep Singh, Arjun Hargude, Aryan Xess, Lovenoor Singh, Mohd. Konain Dad and Gurusewak Singh, offering multiple options in the forward line. The squad has been selected with an emphasis on versatility, allowing the coaching staff to experiment with combinations across the six matches.

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The Belgium tour comes at an important stage in India's preparation cycle. The FIH Hockey Men's Junior Asia Cup later this year will not only determine the continental champions but will also provide an opportunity for the young Indian players to establish themselves on the international stage. Playing against established European hockey nations such as Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands is expected to expose the squad to faster gameplay, structured pressing systems and high-intensity competition.

These experiences will help identify areas that require improvement before India enters continental competition.

India has consistently produced talented junior hockey players who have successfully transitioned to the senior national team. Exposure tours like this have become an integral part of Hockey India's long-term development programme, allowing young athletes to compete against quality opposition while gaining valuable experience outside Asia.

With a new head coach at the helm, an experienced captain leading the squad and several promising youngsters eager to make their mark, the Belgium tour represents more than just six international matches.

It is the first chapter in India's preparations for the Junior Asia Cup and an opportunity to build a squad capable of continuing the country's strong tradition in junior international hockey.