BHOPAL
The stage is set at the SAI Bhopal facility as the Indian Men’s and Women’s U-18 Hockey teams prepare to host Australia for a high-intensity four-match series starting May 15. This crucial exposure tour serves as the final testing ground before both teams head to Kakamigahara, Japan, for the U-18 Asia Cup later this month.
The series is the culmination of a rigorous national coaching camp that began on April 19. For the young athletes, playing against a powerhouse like Australia offers a rare opportunity to experience top-tier international competition and build the “match temperament” needed for the continental championship.
Series Schedule
| Date | Women’s Fixture | Men’s Fixture |
| May 15 | 19:00 hrs | 17:00 hrs |
| May 17 | 17:00 hrs | 19:00 hrs |
| May 18 | 19:00 hrs | 17:00 hrs |
| May 20 | 08:00 hrs | 10:00 hrs |
Coach Insights
Sardar Singh (Men’s Coach):
The former India captain emphasized that the focus of the Bhopal camp has been on perfecting the “fundamentals and basics.” He views these matches as a vital step for players to adapt to the demands of modern hockey. “These fixtures will play a key role in helping us identify the best possible squad to represent India at the Asia Cup,” Singh noted.
Rani Rampal (Women’s Coach):
Rani Rampal shared a similar vision, highlighting the importance of testing the players’ learning under pressure. “The matches against Australia will give them a great chance to play at a higher level… It’s an opportunity for each player to showcase their ability,” she said. With the Asia Cup just around the corner, these matches at the Udhav Das Mehta Central Centre will be instrumental in fine-tuning combinations and selecting the final rosters that will fight for Asian glory.
