Australia and India will field their next generation of hockey talent in a four-match Under-18 international series in India later this month, with both nations using the contest as a key stepping stone towards future Olympic and elite-level success.
Hockey Australia confirmed its men’s and women’s U-18 squads will tour India from 10 to 21 May, while Hockey India has named 24-member boys’ and girls’ squads for the series to be played in Bhopal between 15 and 20 May.
The matches will serve as crucial preparation for India’s upcoming U-18 Asia Cup campaign in Japan later this month and are also part of Australia’s long-term high-performance pathway leading towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Australian officials said the tour would expose emerging players to international touring conditions, high-intensity competition and the demands of playing abroad against elite opposition.
India has framed the series as a major test ahead of the Asia Cup, with former Indian captain Rani describing the matches against Australia as “the ultimate dress rehearsal” before the tournament in Japan.
Former Indian men’s star Sardar Singh, who is guiding the Indian boys’ team, said the series would test the squad’s “match temperament and tactical discipline” against the fast-paced Australian style of play.
India’s men’s team will be captained by Ketan Kushwaha, while the women’s side will be led by Sweety Kujur after selectors trimmed training squads from 42 players following an intensive national camp.
The series is expected to provide both countries with an opportunity to build combinations, strengthen team culture and assess emerging talent under international conditions as they develop future senior internationals for the Kookaburras, Hockeyroos and India’s national programmes.
Matches will be played at the Udhav Das Mehta SAI Central Centre in Bhopal.
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