HI announces squads for Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship in Muscat

New Delhi, Jul 14 (PTI) Hockey India on Tuesday announced the Indian sub-junior men's and women's squads for the inaugural Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship to be held in Muscat from July 20 to 25. The Championship carries added significance as it serves as the official Asian qualifier for the inaugural FIH U18 Youth Hockey5s World Cup. The tournament will feature Asia's brightest emerging hockey talent, with seven teams each competing in both the categories. The men’s competition will feature hosts Oman, India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh. While the women’s competition will see India, Pakistan, Oman, China, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Iran in action. The Indian squads were selected from a group of 15 players each in the two national camps currently going on in Bhopal (women) and Chandigarh (men). The women's squad of 10 players includes goalkeepers Khili Kumari and Mahak Parihar. The defensive responsibilities will be shouldered by Nilam Topno and Kiran Ekka, while Diya, Pushpa Manjhi and Shruti Kumari form the midfield unit. The forward line comprises Nousheen Naz, Sandeepa Kumari and Sweety Kujur, who will captain the team. The men's squad comprises goalkeepers Sawan Kumar and Ayush Rajak, with Karan Gautam and Ashish Tani Purti as the two defenders. The midfield unit features Rahul Yadav and Romit Pal, while the forward line consists of captain Ketan Kushwaha, Prahalad Rajbhar, Arshdeep Singh and Shahrukh Ali. Speaking on the squad selection the sub-junior women's team coach Rani said, "We have selected a balanced squad with a good mix of skill, speed and character. The players have worked extremely hard during the preparatory camp and have shown great commitment to improving every aspect of their game." "Hockey5s is a fast-paced format that demands quick decision-making, adaptability and high energy, and we have focused on these areas throughout our preparations. "This tournament will be a valuable platform for our young players to test themselves against some of the best teams in Asia. We are confident they will embrace the challenge, play fearless hockey and represent India with pride,” she added. The sub-junior men’s team coach Sardar Singh exuded confidence that the team will perform well in Oman. "The squad has earned its place through consistent performances and a strong work ethic during the training camp. Hockey5s is an exciting format that rewards speed, creativity and composure under pressure, and the boys have adapted well to its unique demands. "Our emphasis has been on building a cohesive unit that can execute our plans with confidence while playing an attacking brand of hockey," he added. Squads: ===== Sub-Jr Women Goalkeepers: Khili Kumari, Mahak Parihar Defenders: Nilam Topno, Kiran Ekka Midfielders: Diya, Pushpa Manjhi, Shruti Kumari Forwards: Nousheen Naz, Sandeepa Kumari, Sweety Kujur (c) Sub-Jr Men Goalkeepers: Sawan Kumar, Ayush Rajak Defenders: Karan Gautam, Ashish Tani Purti Midfielders: Rahul Yadav, Romit Pal Forwards: Ketan Kushwaha (c), Prahalad Rajbhar, Arshdeep Singh, Shahrukh Ali. PTI APA ATK