Both teams underwent month-long national coaching camps at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central Centre at SAI, Bhopal. The men\u2019s side trained under coaches Sardar Singh and Rajnish Mishra, while former India captain Rani Rampal supervised the women\u2019s team camp.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
As part of their final preparations, India\u2019s junior squads played four-match exposure series against visiting Australian U-18 teams in Bhopal. The men\u2019s team recorded one victory, one defeat and two draws, while the women\u2019s team ended their series on a high with an encouraging win. The matches provided valuable international experience ahead of the continental tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Indian men\u2019s side, led by forward Ketan Kushwaha, has been placed in Pool A alongside Kazakhstan, hosts Japan, Korea and Chinese Taipei. India will open its campaign against Kazakhstan on May 29 before taking on Japan on May 31, Korea on June 1 and Chinese Taipei on June 3.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pool B in the men\u2019s competition consists of Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and China. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semi-finals on June 5, with the final scheduled for June 6.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking before departure, Ketan Kushwaha highlighted the team\u2019s preparations and confidence heading into the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Representing India at a major tournament like the Asia Cup is a huge honour and responsibility for all of us. We have worked hard during the camp in Bhopal and the matches against Australia gave us valuable learning experiences. The team has developed strong understanding on and off the field, and we are excited to test ourselves against some of the best young teams in Asia. We are confident and will give our best in every match.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Indian women\u2019s team, captained by Sweety Kujur, focused heavily on combinations, match fitness and tactical execution during the training camp in Bhopal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Representing India at a major tournament like the Asia Cup is a huge honour and responsibility for all of us. We have worked hard during the camp in Bhopal and the matches against Australia gave us valuable learning experiences. The team has developed strong understanding on and off the field, and we are excited to test ourselves against some of the best young teams in Asia. We are confident and will give our best in every match.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sweety Kujur expressed optimism about the squad\u2019s preparations and readiness for the competition, saying, \u201cThe entire team is excited and motivated ahead of the Asia Cup. We have spent several weeks preparing together and everyone has worked really hard during the camp. The matches against Australia helped us understand our strengths and areas where we need to improve, and finishing that series with a win gave us confidence. We know the competition at Asia Cup will be tough, but we are looking forward to giving our best and making India proud.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n