Youth Hockey5s Asia Cup: Madhya Pradesh's Naushin Naz Emerges as Star; India Wins Silver; Qualifies for FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup
Bhopal: Naushin Naz, a player from the Madhya Pradesh State Women's Hockey Academy, captured the attention of all of Asia with her stellar performance at the Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship. The Indian women's team clinched the silver medal following an impressive campaign at this prestigious tournament, held in Muscat (Oman) from July 20 to 25.
Naushin Naz netted 17 goals throughout the tournament, earning the title of 'Best Scorer of the Tournament.' With this outstanding performance, the Indian team also successfully qualified for the inaugural FIH Youth (U-18) Hockey5s World Cup. Madhya Pradesh goalkeeper Mahak Parihar, a member of the Indian squad, also made significant contributions throughout the campaign.
Became the tournament's top scorer with 17 goals
Throughout the tournament, the talented forward from the Madhya Pradesh State Women's Hockey Academy, Naushin Naz, emerged as the strongest link in the Indian attack. Displaying exceptional skill, she scored a total of 17 goals and earned the distinction of being the tournament's top scorer. Her aggressive style, speed, and precise finishing played a decisive role in propelling the Indian team to the final.
Mahak Parihar displays strength at the goalpost
Goalkeeper Mahak Parihar, also from the Madhya Pradesh State Women's Hockey Academy, delivered an impressive performance throughout the tournament. She bolstered India's campaign by making crucial saves in several key matches, playing a vital role in the team's journey to the final.
A new challenge on the global stage
Teams from India, China, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Uzbekistan, and hosts Oman participated in this prestigious competition held in Muscat (Oman) from July 20 to 25. Despite finishing as runners-up, the Indian team proved through its performance that it ranks among Asia's formidable teams. The team's goal now is to make the nation proud by delivering a strong performance at the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup.
Delivering a stellar performance at the Women's Youth Hockey5s Asia Cup 2026, the Indian team won the silver medal and qualified for the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup.
Daughters of Madhya Pradesh have enhanced the pride: Sarang
Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishwas Kailash Sarang extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the entire Indian women's team for winning the silver medal at the Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship 2026 and qualifying for the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup.
Expressing particular delight at the achievements of Naushin Naz and Mahek Parihar—players from the Madhya Pradesh State Women's Hockey Academy—he remarked that the daughters of Madhya Pradesh have enhanced the pride of both the state and the nation through their magnificent performance.
Strength of Madhya Pradesh's Academies Shines Again
The presence of two players from the Madhya Pradesh State Women's Hockey Academy—Naushin Naz and Mahek Parihar—in the Indian team is a testament to the excellent training systems of the state's sports academies and the continuous progress of the players. The performance of both players at the international level is a source of pride for the state and will serve as an inspiration for emerging sports talent within the state.