Sixth Crown or Women’s Hat-Trick? India Begins Junior Asia Cup Campaign

India’s junior hockey teams will begin their double title defence in China, with the men chasing a record-extending sixth Junior Asia Cup crown and the women aiming for a hat-trick of titles.

The defending champions in both categories will begin their campaigns in Moqi on Friday, entering the tournament with confidence built through months of structured preparation and exposure against strong international opposition.

The women’s team, which has won the last two editions, will be led by midfielder Khaidem Shileima Chanu. Coach Tim White, who took charge earlier this year, has overseen an extensive programme designed to prepare the players for the demands of continental hockey.

An extended squad travelled to the United Kingdom for an exposure tour, playing against Scotland Senior Women and the Under-21 sides of the USA, England and Belgium. India are placed in the Elite Pool and will open their campaign against South Korea on September 5. Malaysia, Japan and hosts China will follow on September 6, 8 and 9 respectively.

White said the team had acclimatised well to the cooler conditions in Moqi and was eager to test its preparations against Asia’s strongest sides.

The men’s team arrived as five-time champions, having won the last three editions. Defender Anmol Ekka will captain the side, while newly appointed coach Frederic Soyez begins his tenure with the target of extending India’s dominance.

The team prepared in Belgium against Austria, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands before playing Malaysia in Bengaluru. India then faced China in Dalian, winning their final friendly 8-2.

India will begin their Pool A campaign against Indonesia on September 5, followed by Japan, South Korea and Chinese Taipei.

With both teams defending titles, India’s young stars now have the opportunity to turn months of preparation into another memorable chapter in junior hockey.