Australia’s Under-18 men’s and women’s hockey teams have embarked on a landmark tour of India, marking the country’s first international tour at this age level in 20 years, with bilateral matches against India beginning today in Bhopal. The tour is being viewed by both federations as a major step in strengthening pathways, deepening sporting ties and giving emerging players their first taste of international competition.
Hockey Australia confirmed that the visit forms part of a broader high-performance pathway designed to expose young athletes to overseas playing conditions early in their careers. The tour includes multiple matches against India’s Under-18 squads, training sessions and cultural exchange activities during the stay in Madhya Pradesh.
The four match bilateral series is being hosted at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium in Bhopal, a venue that has become a regular host for international hockey and junior competitions in recent years. The matches are expected to provide a competitive test for both nations as they prepare for future junior continental and world tournaments.
For Australia, the tour represents the first overseas assignment for an Under-18 national hockey side in roughly 20 years. Officials have described the tour as a crucial development opportunity, allowing players to experience the pace, skill and intensity of international hockey in one of the sport’s traditional powerhouses. India and Australia share a long history of rivalry at senior level, and extending this engagement to junior pathways is seen as a natural progression.
The squads include some of Australia’s most promising junior talents selected from national championships and development camps. Coaches have emphasised that the experience of travelling, adapting to unfamiliar conditions and competing in front of passionate crowds will be as valuable as the matches themselves.
India’s Under-18 teams enter the series with strong preparation following domestic camps and selection trials. The bilateral matches are part of India’s preparation cycle for upcoming youth competitions in Asia, where early exposure to international opposition is considered vital for player development.
The series is also expected to contribute to the growing sporting relationship between the two countries. In recent years, India has hosted several international hockey tournaments and training camps, and the arrival of Australia’s junior squads reflects the expanding cooperation between the national federations.
Beyond competition, the tour includes cultural experiences and community engagement activities, highlighting the role of sport as a bridge between the two nations. Officials from both sides have described the initiative as a long-term investment in the future of hockey, giving young players a chance to build international experience early in their careers while strengthening ties between two major hockey nations.
The bilateral matches beginning today mark the start of what both federations hope will become a regular exchange, providing a pathway for the next generation of players to step onto the international stage.
Australian Squad
Indian squad
The Indian U-18 men’s team includes goalkeepers Sawan Kumar, Ayush Rajak and Vishal Bada; defenders Ansh Bahutra, Ashish Tani Purti, Arman Soreng, Deepakprakash Toppo, Karan Gautam and Karan Dhanuk; midfielders Premchand Soy, Rahul Yadav, Varinder Singh, Romit Pal, Arjandeep Singh, Gursimranpreet Singh, Arshdip Singh and Avi Manikpuri; and forwards Akash Deep, captain Ketan Kushwaha, Shahrukh Ali, Gazee Khan, Prahalad Rajbhar, Siddharth Ben and Jaysan Kandulna.
The Indian U-18 women’s squad features goalkeepers Mahak Parihar, Harry and Khili Kumari; defenders Sugan Sanga, Nilam Topno, Rubina Baxla, Kiran Ekka, Divya Yadav and Sulochani; midfielders Shruti Kumari, Diya, Harshita, Rashmeen Kaur, Laminganbi Akoijam, Nancy Saroha, Tongbram Lanchenbi Devi and Sneha Davde; and forwards Nousheen Naz, captain Sweety Kujur, Priyanka Minz, Sandeepa Kumari, Nammi Geetashree, Princess Priya Ekka and Pushpa Manjhi.
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