NEW DELHI
Hockey India has officially revealed its 22-member junior men’s squad for the upcoming exposure tour of Belgium, taking place from July 5 to July 18, 2026. This trip marks the first major test for the team under their newly appointed head coach, Frederic Soyez, as they prepare for the vital FIH Hockey Men’s Junior Asia Cup later this year.
Defender Anmol Ekka will captain the side, bringing leadership to a group focused on refining their tactical discipline and team chemistry. The roster is bolstered by four players – Ekka, Adrohit Ekka, Ajeet Yadav, and Rohit Kullu, who were instrumental in securing a bronze medal at the 2025 FIH Men’s Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu. Their experience will be crucial as India prepares to face high-level European competition.
During this intense tour, the team will play two matches against Austria, two against hosts Belgium, and one each against Germany and the Netherlands. Coach Soyez emphasized that the goal is not just about results, but about understanding the rigorous demands of international hockey. He aims to strengthen the group’s unity while testing new tactical combinations.
By pitting young talent against some of the world’s best hockey nations, Hockey India hopes to bridge the gap between domestic development and elite international standards. With a blend of seasoned junior players and fresh faces, the squad is eager to prove themselves on foreign soil and build the necessary momentum to compete for top honors at the upcoming Asian continental championship.