New Delhi, July 18: The Indian men’s and women’s teams have departed for Muscat, Oman, to compete in the inaugural Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship, which will be held from July 20 to 25.
The tournament will feature Asia’s top young players and also serve as the continental qualifier for the inaugural FIH U18 Youth Hockey5s World Cup.
The Indian men’s team, coached by former captain Sardar Singh, has been drawn in the Elite Pool alongside hosts Oman, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the Indian women’s team, under former India captain Rani, will face China, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in the Elite Pool.
India will begin its campaign on July 20. The men’s side will open against Bangladesh, while the women’s team will take on Kazakhstan.
The championship marks an important opportunity for India’s emerging hockey talent to compete at the international level and secure qualification for the first-ever FIH U18 Youth Hockey5s World Cup. Both teams will look to make a strong start in the fast-paced Hockey5s format and continue India’s rich tradition in international hockey.
