The Indian women’s junior hockey team has named midfielder Khaidem Shileima Chanu as captain of the 18-member squad for the Junior Asia Cup 2026, which will be held in Moqi, China, from August 30 to September 13.
The continental tournament will serve as a major platform for India’s rising stars as they look to make an impact against Asia’s top junior teams.
India Name 18-Member Squad for Junior Asia Cup
The Hockey India selectors have entrusted Khaidem Shileima Chanu with the captaincy after a series of impressive performances. The 18-member squad combines promising young talent with players who have gained valuable experience through recent international exposure.
The tournament schedule and pool allocations are expected to be announced closer to the competition.
UK Exposure Tour Boosts Preparations
Ahead of the Junior Asia Cup, the Indian squad completed an exposure tour of the United Kingdom, where the players gained valuable match experience against quality opposition.
The tour formed a key part of the team’s preparations as the coaching staff worked on improving tactical awareness, teamwork, and overall match readiness before heading to China.
Coach Tim White Backs Young Squad
Head coach Tim White, who took charge of the junior women’s team earlier this year, expressed confidence in the selected players and praised their hard work during the preparation phase.
“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,” White said.
“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 added.
‘A Launch Pad for Bigger Goals’
White described the Junior Asia Cup as an important stepping stone in the players’ development and urged them to use the tournament as a platform to pursue bigger ambitions in international hockey.
“This tournament is an important opportunity to test ourselves against Asia’s best and continue our journey towards bigger goals,” White said.
“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.
Focus Turns To Moqi
With preparations complete following the UK tour, the Indian junior women’s team will now shift its focus to the Junior Asia Cup in Moqi.
Led by Khaidem Shileima Chanu, the squad will aim to deliver strong performances and continue India’s rich tradition in age-group women’s hockey when the tournament begins on August 30.
India Squad
Goalkeepers: Nidhi, Engil Harsha Rani Minz
Defenders: Puja Sahoo, Supriya, Pooja Malik, Parwati Topno, Madhu
Mid-fielders: 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.