Anmol Ekka to Lead India at Junior Asia Cup 2026

As part of their preparation, the team recently completed an exposure tour of Belgium, where the players faced strong international opposition. The tour provided valuable match experience and allowed the coaching staff to assess progress, refine combinations and strengthen overall readiness for the continental event.

The squad is now gaining further competitive exposure through a series of friendly matches against the Malaysian under-21 team at the SAI centre in Bengaluru.

Coach Frederic Soyez expressed satisfaction with the composition of the group. “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. Selection was based on consistent performances, attitude and the ability to execute our game plan under pressure,” he said.

Soyez acknowledged the competitive nature of the tournament while outlining the team’s approach. “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.

Highlighting the developmental importance of the competition, the coach noted: “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.”

The AHF Junior Asia Cup ranks among the premier junior hockey competitions in Asia. It brings together the region’s strongest emerging teams in a high-intensity environment and offers India’s young players a significant opportunity to measure themselves against the best available opposition.

The selected squad is as follows:

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, Prabhdeep Singh, Gursewak Singh, Aryan Xess, Lovenoor Singh

Alternate Players: Arjun Santosh Hargude, Ritik Lakra

The combination of recent international exposure in Belgium and ongoing competitive matches against Malaysia is intended to sharpen match fitness and tactical understanding ahead of the tournament. With a new coach at the helm, the emphasis appears to be on building a structured yet attacking style of play that can adapt to the demands of a multi-nation junior championship.

For several members of the squad, the Junior Asia Cup will represent a major step in their progression through the national pathway. Consistent performances in the tournament could also open doors to higher levels of representation in the future.

Hockey India has positioned the event as both a competitive target and a developmental milestone. The presence of a balanced squad across goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards, supported by two alternate players, provides the coaching staff with flexibility in selection and strategy during the two-week competition.

As the team continues its final phase of preparation in Bengaluru, attention will remain on refining combinations and maintaining the discipline highlighted by the coach. The Junior Asia Cup in Moqi will offer a clear assessment of how effectively the group translates its training and exposure into results against regional peers.