Hockey India Announces Junior Men's Squad for AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026
Hockey India has officially announced the 18-member Indian Junior Men's squad for the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026, with defender Anmol Ekka entrusted with the captaincy for the continental tournament scheduled to be held in Moqi, China, from August 30 to September 13.
The squad, which also includes two alternate players, represents a blend of promising talent that has been undergoing intensive preparation over the past few months under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Frederic Soyez. With the tournament serving as one of Asia's premier junior hockey competitions, the young Indian side will be aiming to continue the country's rich legacy at the junior level while building towards future senior international success.
Currently training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru, the squad has already completed an extensive preparation phase that included international exposure and competitive matches against quality opposition.
India heads into the Junior Asia Cup after a comprehensive build-up programme designed to prepare the players for the challenges of international hockey.
One of the highlights of the team's preparations was a two-week exposure tour of Belgium, where the junior side competed against strong European opposition. The tour allowed the players to experience different styles of play, adapt to high-intensity international competition and assess their tactical progress ahead of the continental championship.
The Belgium tour also provided the coaching staff with an opportunity to evaluate player combinations, identify areas requiring improvement and fine-tune the team's structure before finalising the squad. Following their return to India, preparations have continued in Bengaluru, where the junior squad is currently engaged in a series of friendly matches against the Malaysia Under-21 team.
These fixtures are expected to provide another valuable opportunity for the players to sharpen their match fitness and strengthen on-field understanding before travelling to China later this month.
Newly appointed head coach Frederic Soyez expressed confidence in the balance and quality of the selected squad while explaining the criteria behind the final selection. According to Soyez, the coaching staff placed significant emphasis not only on consistent performances but also on the players' commitment, discipline and ability to execute tactical plans under pressure.
"We are pleased with the balance and depth of the squad selected for the Junior Asia Cup. The players have worked hard over the past few months, showing commitment, discipline and a strong desire to improve," Soyez said.
The French coach also stressed that the tournament will present a significant challenge, with every participating nation capable of producing high-quality performances. "It will be a highly competitive tournament, and we respect every opponent. Our focus will be on playing disciplined, attacking hockey while staying true to our structure," he added.
While the Junior Asia Cup is a prestigious tournament in its own right, it also serves as an important platform in the development of India's next generation of international players. Several current members of the senior Indian men's team previously represented the country at junior continental and world events before successfully transitioning into the senior setup.
Soyez believes this tournament offers another important opportunity for the current group to continue that pathway.
"This tournament is also an important step in the players' development, and we are confident this group has the potential to deliver strong performances and make the country proud," he said.
With the Junior World Cup and future senior international competitions on the horizon, performances in Moqi could significantly influence the players' long-term progression within the national system.
Defender Anmol Ekka has been handed the responsibility of leading the side into the tournament. His leadership at the back will be crucial as India prepares to face some of Asia's strongest junior hockey nations. The squad also features a balanced combination of defenders, midfielders and forwards, giving the coaching staff flexibility across all areas of the field.
The goalkeeping responsibilities will be shared by Vivek Lakra and Kunal Tewatia, while the defensive unit includes Rohit Kullu, Chirag, Ravinder, Ashu Maurya, Sanjit Tirkey and Sukhvinder alongside captain Ekka.
India's midfield will be anchored by Adrohit Ekka, Harpal, Jeetpal and Manmeet Singh Rai, players expected to control possession and link defence with attack. The forward line will be tasked with converting opportunities as India looks to maintain its attacking style throughout the tournament.
The AHF Junior Asia Cup has traditionally been one of the most competitive age-group tournaments in world hockey. Asia continues to produce some of the strongest junior teams globally, making the competition an ideal benchmark for emerging talent. Although the tournament draw and match schedule will be announced closer to the event, India is expected to enter as one of the leading contenders based on its strong junior programme and recent international performances.
The experience gained during the Belgium tour and ongoing matches against Malaysia should help the players adapt quickly once the tournament begins in China.
India's Squad for the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026
Goalkeepers: Vivek Lakra, Kunal Tewatia
Defenders: Anmol Ekka (Captain), Rohit Kullu, Chirag, Ravinder, Ashu Maurya, Sanjit Tirkey, Sukhvinder
Midfielders: Adrohit Ekka, Harpal, Jeetpal, Manmeet Singh Rai
Forwards: Ajeet Yadav (remaining forward names to be confirmed by Hockey India as the official squad list provided was incomplete).
The announcement of the Junior Asia Cup squad marks another important milestone in India's long-term hockey development programme. With a carefully planned preparation schedule, quality international exposure and a talented group of young players, India will head to Moqi aiming to challenge for continental honours while continuing to develop the next generation of senior internationals.
As the countdown to the tournament begins, the focus will now shift towards refining combinations, maintaining fitness and ensuring the squad is fully prepared for the challenges ahead. Under the leadership of Anmol Ekka and the guidance of Frederic Soyez, India's junior men's team will look to carry forward the country's proud hockey tradition and make a strong statement at the 2026 AHF Junior Asia Cup.
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