~ Both Indian teams begin their campaigns on 20 July, with the men’s team set for two high-voltage clashes against Pakistan in the Elite Pool ~
New Delhi, July 19, 2026: Fresh from impressive performances at the U18 Asia Cup earlier this year, the Indian Sub-Junior Men’s and Women’s Hockey Teams are set to compete in the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship 2026, scheduled to be held in Muscat, Oman, from 20 to 25 July 2026. The tournament will also serve as the official Asian qualifier for the inaugural FIH U18 Youth Hockey5s World Cup.
The competition will feature Asia’s best emerging hockey talent, with teams vying for continental honours and qualification to the inaugural FIH U18 Youth Hockey5s World Cup.
The Indian Sub-Junior Men’s Team, coached by Sardar Singh, heads into the tournament with confidence after clinching the U18 Men’s Asia Cup 2026 title, defeating hosts Japan 4-1 in the final. The squad comprises players from the gold medal-winning campaign and has been placed in the Elite Pool alongside hosts Oman, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, the Indian Sub-Junior Women’s Team, coached by Rani, features players who secured the bronze medal at the U18 Women’s Asia Cup 2026. The team has been drawn in the Elite Pool with China, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
The Elite Pool follows a double round-robin format, with each team playing the other teams twice. The top two teams at the end of the league stage will advance directly to the gold medal match, while the third-placed team will qualify for the bronze medal match. The fourth-placed team will face the top-ranked Challenger Pool team in a qualification match, with the winner progressing to the bronze medal match.
India’s campaign begins on 20 July, with the women’s team taking on Kazakhstan before the men’s team faces Bangladesh later in the evening.
The men’s side will then play Oman and Pakistan on 21 July before meeting the same opponents in the return fixtures on 23 and 24 July as part of the double round-robin Elite Pool format. The women’s team, meanwhile, will face China and Uzbekistan on 21 July before taking on Kazakhstan again on 23 July, followed by return fixtures against China and Uzbekistan on 24 July. The classification matches are scheduled for 25 July.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Indian Sub-Junior Men’s Team coach Sardar Singh said, “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.”
Meanwhile, Indian Sub-Junior Women’s Team coach Rani asserted, “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.”
