India's Sub-Junior Men's and Women's Teams Target Glory at Inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship 2026

India Set for Historic Challenge in Muscat

New Delhi, July 19, 2026: Fresh from impressive performances at the U18 Asia Cup earlier this year, India's Sub-Junior Men's and Women's Hockey Teams are set to compete in the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship 2026 in Muscat, Oman, from July 20 to 25.

The tournament will serve as the official Asian qualifier for the inaugural FIH U18 Youth Hockey5s World Cup, with Asia's top emerging hockey talent competing for continental honours and qualification.

Men's Team Eyes Another Continental Title

Coached by former India captain Sardar Singh, the Indian Sub-Junior Men's Team enters the championship brimming with confidence after winning the U18 Men's Asia Cup 2026 title with a commanding 4-1 victory over hosts Japan in the final.

Featuring several players from that gold medal-winning campaign, India has been drawn in the Elite Pool alongside hosts Oman, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The men's campaign begins against Bangladesh on July 20 before high-profile encounters against Oman and Pakistan on July 21. India will then face the same opponents in the return fixtures on July 23 and 24 under the tournament's double round-robin format.

Women's Team Ready to Build on Asia Cup Success

The Indian Sub-Junior Women's Team, coached by former captain Rani, will look to build on its bronze medal-winning performance at the U18 Women's Asia Cup 2026.

India has been placed in the Elite Pool alongside China, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

The women's side opens its campaign against Kazakhstan on July 20 before taking on China and Uzbekistan on July 21. Return fixtures against Kazakhstan, China and Uzbekistan will be played on July 23 and 24, with the classification matches scheduled for July 25.

Tournament Format

The Elite Pool follows a double round-robin format, with every team playing each opponent twice.

• The top two teams will qualify directly for the gold medal match.
• The third-placed team will advance to the bronze medal match.
• The fourth-placed team will face the top-ranked Challenger Pool side in a qualification match, with the winner progressing to the bronze medal match.

Sardar Singh Confident of India's Chances

"The players have earned this opportunity with their outstanding performance at the U18 Asia Cup, and the confidence from winning the title will certainly help us. However, Hockey5s is a unique format that demands quick decision-making, high intensity and adaptability.

The boys have prepared well for these challenges, and our focus will be on executing our plans, maintaining consistency and securing qualification for the inaugural FIH U18 Youth Hockey5s World Cup. We are excited to compete against some of Asia's best young teams and represent India with pride," said coach Sardar Singh.

Rani Wants Fearless Hockey

"This tournament presents a wonderful opportunity for our young players to showcase their talent on the continental stage. The team gained valuable experience at the U18 Asia Cup, and we have worked hard to adapt to the fast-paced Hockey5s format.

The players are motivated, eager to learn and determined to give their best in every match. Our objective is to play fearless hockey, continue our development and qualify for the inaugural FIH U18 Youth Hockey5s World Cup while making the country proud," said women's coach Rani.

Qualification for Historic World Cup at Stake

With a place in the inaugural FIH U18 Youth Hockey5s World Cup on the line, both Indian teams will look to carry their recent momentum into Muscat and establish themselves among Asia's leading youth hockey nations in the fast-paced Hockey5s format.

About Hockey India

Hockey India is the governing body for hockey in the country and oversees the development of the sport across all levels, including national teams, domestic competitions and grassroots initiatives.

(Inputs from Press Release)