India’s Junior Hockey Teams Begin Double Title Defence in China

India’s junior men’s and women’s hockey teams are set to begin their respective title defences at the AHF Junior Asia Cup in China, with both sides eyeing another continental triumph.

The Indian U-21 women’s team, champions in the last two editions, will aim for a hat-trick of titles. Midfielder Khaidem Shileima Chanu will lead the side, which has undergone an intensive training programme under coach Tim White.

As part of their preparations, the extended squad toured the United Kingdom, playing matches against Scotland Senior Women, USA U-21, England U-21 and Belgium U-21.

India, placed in the Elite Pool, will open their campaign against South Korea on September 5. They will then face Malaysia on September 6, Japan on September 8 and hosts China on September 9.

The men’s team will enter the tournament as five-time champions, having won the last three editions. Defender Anmol Ekka will captain the side, while newly appointed coach Frederic Soyez will look to begin his tenure with a title.

The men also completed extensive preparations, including an exposure tour of Belgium, where they faced strong U-21 teams from Austria, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. They later played a series against Malaysia’s U-21 side in Bengaluru and three friendlies against hosts China in Dalian.

With both defending champions determined to retain their crowns, India will be aiming for a historic double triumph in China.