MP powers India U-18 hockey squad with 6 picks for Asia Cup

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh cemented its status as a national hockey nursery on Thursday, with six of the 18 players named in India’s Men’s Under-18 Asia Cup squad coming from the state.

Hockey India announced the squad for the May 29-June 6 tournament in Kakamigahara, Japan, after a national coaching camp at SAI’s Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai ji) Central Centre in Bhopal. Head coach Sardar Singh oversaw the camp with coach Rajnish Mishra.

The six MP players — Aayush Rajak, Avi Manikpuri, Siddharth Ben, Karan Gautam, Ansh Bahutra and Ghazi Khan — are all products of the MP Hockey Academy.

Forward Ketan Kushwaha has been entrusted with the captaincy of the team.

Before selection, India played a four-match series against Australia U-18 during the preparation phase, winning one, losing one and drawing two.

“The selection process was incredibly competitive, but we have an 18-member squad that gives us the perfect tactical balance,” Sardar Singh said.

“Our training in Bhopal and the exposure matches against a top-tier side like Australia gave these boys a great understanding of international pressure and match tempo. We have spent the last few weeks working heavily on our tactical discipline, penalty corner routines, and structure,” said Sardar.

He added, “The boys are in high spirits; and going into a major tournament like the Asia Cup, our objective is clear — we want to execute our plans effectively, top our group and put ourselves in the best possible position to bring home the trophy.”

MP Hockey Academy head coach Sameer Dad said the selections underline the state’s depth. “The state is full of talent; players just need a platform to showcase their abilities.”

India open their campaign against Kazakhstan on May 29, followed by hosts Japan on May 31, South Korea on June 1 and Chinese Taipei on June 3. The semi-finals are on June 5 and the final on June 6.