6 Players from MP Hockey Academy Selected for Indian U-18 Team; Set to Shine at Asia Cup in Japan
Six players from the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, Bhopal, have been selected for the Indian Men's Hockey Team for the upcoming Under-18 Asia Cup to be held in Japan. The selection of these players has created an atmosphere of excitement across the state.
Opportunity Knocks for 6 Academy Players
The Indian Under-18 Men's Hockey Team now includes six players from the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, Bhopal: goalkeeper Ayush Rajak; defenders Ansh Bautra and Karan Gautam; midfielder Avi Manikpuri; and forwards Siddharth Ben and Gazi Khan. These players will represent India at the Asia Cup tournament to be organized in Japan.
Recognition Gained During the Australia Series in Bhopal
Notably, the selection of these players was based on their performance during the national training camp and selection trials held alongside the India-Australia Under-18 International Hockey Series, which took place in Bhopal.
The players delivered stellar performances during this series, held from May 15 to May 20, 2026. It was on the strength of these performances that they secured their spots in the Indian team.
Asian Showdown Awaits in Japan
The Indian Under-18 Men's Team is set to participate in the Asia Cup competition hosted in Japan. On this international stage, the players from Madhya Pradesh will have the opportunity to showcase their talent.
The Growing Stature of MP Hockey Academy
For a long time, the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, Bhopal, has been consistently providing the nation with talented players. Driven by modern sports infrastructure, scientific training methodologies, and the guidance of experienced coaches, the academy continues to produce players of national caliber.
The simultaneous selection of six players to the Indian team underscores the state's robust sports ecosystem and its unwavering commitment to the development of hockey.
Sports Minister Extends Congratulations
The State Minister for Sports, and Youth Welfare, Vishwas Kailash Sarang, congratulated the selected players, stating that this achievement is the result of the players' hard work combined with the availability of superior sports facilities. He expressed his confidence that the players would bring glory to both the nation and the state on the international stage. Madhya Pradesh Emerging as a Rising Power in Hockey