Currently serving as coaches of the India U-18 men\u2019s and women\u2019s teams, respectively, the two legends are overseeing preparations for a four-match exposure series against the Australian U-18 sides at SAI Bhopal. The series, beginning on Friday, serves as crucial preparation ahead of the Men\u2019s and Women\u2019s U-18 Asia Cup 2026 in Kakamigahara, Japan, later this month.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Addressing the media ahead of the series, both Sardar and Rani underlined the importance of structured development pathways for young players and welcomed Hockey India\u2019s efforts to strengthen the talent pipeline from an early age.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThis is a great initiative by Hockey India at this stage because focusing on our young players at an early age is extremely important. These are the players who will go on to represent India in the future,\u201d said Sardar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The former India men\u2019s captain also pointed to the federation\u2019s growing emphasis on grassroots competitions and player support systems nationwide.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHockey India is doing a tremendous job at the grassroots level through Sub Junior and Junior National Championships across divisions every year. They have also been distributing kits to players across states. If we continue to improve infrastructure, coaching and support systems like that, Indian hockey will reach new heights,\u201d Sardar added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rani, who has been instrumental in shaping India\u2019s women\u2019s hockey rise over the past decade, echoed similar sentiments while stressing the value of early international exposure for young athletes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI would like to thank Hockey India for these U-18 initiatives for our young players. It has never happened before that players in this age group have had the opportunity to compete against a team like Australia. This is a massive learning experience for them,\u201d she stated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The former India women\u2019s captain also highlighted how early exposure to tours can prepare players for future international events and help them adjust to the demands of elite-level hockey.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe average age of these girls is around 15-16 years. They have a long future ahead of them and can go on to represent India at events like the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2032 and 2036 Olympics. This exposure at an early stage will play a huge role in their development,\u201d she added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The upcoming series against Australia is expected to provide India\u2019s young players with valuable experience against strong international opposition, while also giving the coaching staff an opportunity to assess combinations ahead of the continental tournament in Japan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hockey India\u2019s increasing focus on youth competitions, structured pathways and international exposure reflects its broader strategy to build sustained success for Indian hockey in the years to come.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The India U-18 men\u2019s and women\u2019s teams will each play four matches against the Australia U-18 teams in Bhopal. The schedule of the matches is as follows:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Men's:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
May 15, 5:00 PM IST (Friday)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
May 17, 7:00 PM IST (Sunday)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
May 18, 5:00 PM IST (Monday)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
May 20, 10:00 AM IST (Wednesday)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Women's:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
May 15, 7:00 PM IST (Friday)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
May 17, 5:00 PM IST (Sunday)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
May 15, 7:00 PM IST (Friday)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
May 20, 8:00 AM IST (Wednesday)<\/p>\r\n\r\n