India U-18 Men’s and Women’s Teams Storm Into Asia Cup 2026 Semi-Finals

The Indian U-18 women’s and men’s hockey teams reached the U-18 Asia Cup 2026 semi-finals in Kakamigahara, Japan. Both sides advanced after strong pool stage results. The women topped Pool A unbeaten. The men finished second in their group. Both semi-finals take place on 5 June.

The Indian U-18 women’s team won all three pool matches. They scored 30 goals and allowed only two. India beat Malaysia 2-1, then Korea 3-1. They then defeated Singapore 25-0 to secure first place in Pool A. China await in the semi-final in Kakamigahara.

Indian forward Nousheen Naz leads the women’s scoring with 10 goals. Geethasri Nammi has scored five goals so far. Captain Sweety Kujur has four goals. Priyanka Minz has three goals. India will face China, who finished second in Pool B. China recorded two wins and one draw.

Coach Rani focuses on standards and attack

Indian U-18 women’s coach Rani praised the young side. She noted this is their first international event. She said the team take each game as it comes. She stressed focus on team standards, attacking hockey and chance conversion against China on 5 June at 9:30 AM IST.

Rani highlighted fitness and unity as key strengths. She said the players coordinate well and will fight for every ball. She expects them to play to their strengths. She also spoke about using counter-attacks and giving full effort to reach the final in Japan.

Indian U-18 men finish second in Pool A

The Indian U-18 men’s team finished second in Pool A. They recorded three wins and one defeat. India scored 32 goals and conceded six. Their campaign began with a 13-0 win over Kazakhstan. They then lost 4-2 to hosts Japan in their second match.

India reacted with a 4-1 victory against Korea. They closed the pool stage with a 13-1 win over Chinese Taipei. Captain Ketan Kushwaha has seven goals. Ashish Tani Purti has six. Gazee Khan and Shahrukh Ali have scored three each. India now face Pakistan next.

Sardar Singh targets penalty corner gains

Indian U-18 men’s coach Sardar Singh said the team reviewed four matches. He explained they are working on penalty corner attack and defence. Training is in separate groups of defenders, midfielders and forwards. He said the aim is to be fully ready for the semi-final.

Sardar Singh said players now understand modern hockey demands. He wants India to start with strong energy and keep it. He called unity and structure key strengths. He stressed disciplined hockey and trust in passing. He also wants skillful players to express themselves when needed.

Semi-final schedule and live streaming

The Indian U-18 women’s team will meet China in Semi-Final 1. The match is on 5 June at 9:30 AM IST. The Indian U-18 men’s team will face Pakistan in Semi-Final 2. Their match is on 5 June at 3:30 PM IST in Kakamigahara.

Pakistan topped Pool B in the men’s event with two wins and one defeat. All semi-final matches will be streamed live. Coverage will be on the Asian Hockey Federation’s official YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDNCxsTOURPYrnpd0VxX_Bg.