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Kakamigahara, Japan will host the U-18 Asia Cup 2026 from May 29 to June 6, featuring India’s men’s and women’s hockey teams. Both squads, after intensive Bhopal camps and exposure matches against Australia, aim for strong starts. Men face Kazakhstan, Japan, Korea, Chinese Taipei in Pool A; women meet Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, targeting semi-final qualification.

Kakamigahara: The Indian U-18 Men’s and Women’s Hockey Teams are all set to begin their campaigns at the U-18 Asia Cup 2026 in Kakamigahara, Japan, scheduled from May 29 to June 6.

After weeks of intensive preparation camps and valuable exposure matches against Australia in Bhopal, both teams will look to make a strong impact at the continental tournament against some of Asia’s finest young talent.

The Indian U-18 Men’s team, led by forward Ketan Kushwaha, heads into the tournament following a month-long national coaching camp at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central Centre at SAI, Bhopal, under the guidance of coaches Sardar Singh and Rajnish Mishra. As part of their preparations, the side played a four-match series against the visiting Australian U-18 team, registering one win and one loss, while two matches ended in draws.

India have been placed in Pool A alongside hosts Japan, Korea, Chinese Taipei and Kazakhstan in the men’s competition. The team will open its campaign against Kazakhstan on May 29 before taking on Japan (May 31), Korea (June 1) and Chinese Taipei (June 3). Pool B comprises Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and China. The top two teams from each pool will qualify for the semi-finals scheduled on June 5, while the final will take place on June 6.