MP's Hockey Queens Set to Shine in Asia: 4 Academy Stars Picked for India U-18 Squad.......

Saurabh Sharma, Bhopal: Four young guns from the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy have booked their tickets to the Women's U-18 Asia Cup 2026 in Japan, putting the state firmly on the international hockey map.

Goalkeeper Mehak Parihar, midfielders Sneha Dawade and Nammi Geetashree, and forward Nausheen Naaz are the quartet who’ve cracked the India squad. Their selection isn’t luck but it’s the payoff for years of grit, discipline, and relentless training at Bhopal’s MP Hockey Academy. 

The big stage is set in Kakamigahara, Japan, from May 29 to June 6, 2026. India has been drawn in a tough Pool-A alongside Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore. The team kicks off its campaign against Malaysia on May 30, faces Korea on May 31, and takes on Singapore on June 2. Semifinals are slated for June 5, with the final showdown on June 6.

Before heading to Japan, the squad sharpened its skills at a national camp in Bhopal. There, players drilled technical skills, tactical play, match fitness, and team coordination. The prep also included a confidence-boosting four-match series against Australia in Bhopal, where India dominated — key experience before facing Asia’s best.

This is more than just four selections. It’s proof that MP’s investment in modern infrastructure, sports science, and expert coaching is working. The MP Hockey Academy is fast becoming a powerhouse for women’s hockey, consistently producing players ready for the national and international stage.

For these four girls, Japan is just the start. For Madhya Pradesh, it’s another sign that the state isn’t just participating in women’s hockey, it’s leading it.