Bhopal . The talented women players of Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, Bhopal have once again made the state proud. Four players from the academy have been selected in the Indian team announced for the Women’s Under-18 Asia Cup 2026 to be held in Japan. The selected players will bring glory to the country and Madhya Pradesh by representing the Indian women’s hockey team on the international platform.

Giving information on Friday, Public Relations Officer Durgesh Raikwar said that the competition will be organized in Kakamigahara, Japan from May 29 to June 06, 2026. The Indian women’s under-18 hockey team includes goalkeeper Mehak Parihar of Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, Bhopal, midfielders Sneha Davde and Nammi Geeta Shree, and forward player Nausheen Naz. The selection of these players is the result of their excellent performance, disciplined training and continuous hard work. The selection of four players together in the Indian team is being considered a big achievement for the strong training system of Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy and the efforts being made towards the development of women’s hockey.

Women’s Under-18 Asia Cup: India’s strong challenge in Pool-A
The Indian team is included in Pool-A in the competition, where it will compete against strong teams like Korea, Malaysia and Singapore. The Indian team will start its campaign against Malaysia on 30 May. After this, it will play matches against Korea on 31 May and Singapore on 2 June.

Special training conducted in Bhopal, team ready for international platform
The Indian Women’s Under-18 team completed its pre-competition training camp at the National Camp in Bhopal, where the players received special training on technical skills, tactical strategy, match fitness and team coordination. In the same preparation, the Indian team also played a four-match series against Australia in Bhopal, in which the team performed excellently and registered a confident victory. This series proved important in preparing the players for international competition.

Indian team will face Malaysia on 30th May
The Indian team has been placed in Pool A along with Korea, Malaysia and Singapore. The Indian team will start its campaign against Malaysia on 30 May. After this, it will play matches against Korea on 31 May and Singapore on 2 June. The semi-finals of the competition will be held on June 5 and the final match on June 6.

Selection of daughters in the Indian team is a pride for the state: Sarang
State Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishwas Kailash Sarang, while congratulating the Indian women’s under-18 team and the selected players, said, “The selection of Madhya Pradesh’s daughters in the Indian team is a matter of pride for the state. The players have achieved this feat on the strength of their dedication, discipline and excellent performance. We are confident that the Indian team will make the country proud by performing excellently in the Asia Cup. The Madhya Pradesh government is continuously committed to providing better opportunities and world-class sports environment to the players.”

Madhya Pradesh is becoming a strong center of women’s hockey talent
It is noteworthy that Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, Bhopal is continuously preparing national and international level players. With modern sports infrastructure, scientific training system, sports science based fitness management and guidance of experienced trainers, the Academy is making its strong mark among the leading hockey training institutions of the country. The selection of four women players simultaneously in the Indian team is proof that the state is increasingly playing a leading role in the development of women hockey talent.