Six young hockey players from Jharkhand have been selected to represent India in the upcoming Youth Hockey 5s Asian Championship 2026, highlighting the state’s consistent contribution to the country’s hockey talent pool. The continental tournament will be held in Muscat, Oman, from July 20 to 25, bringing together emerging players from across Asia.
The Indian women’s team includes Sandipa Kumari, Pushpa Manjhi, Shruti Kumari, Neelam Topno, and Khilli Kumari, while Ashish Tani Purti has been named in the men’s squad. Their selection follows a series of national coaching camps where players were assessed on their performance, fitness, and overall readiness for international competition.
The five women from Jharkhand have been training with the national sub-junior programme in Bhopal, while the men’s preparatory camp has been taking place in Chandigarh. Coaches evaluated players during these camps before finalising the teams that will compete in the continental championship, where India will aim for a strong performance against leading Asian nations.
Officials from Hockey Jharkhand welcomed the announcement, describing it as another milestone for the state’s hockey development programme. They credited sustained grassroots training, improved infrastructure, and continuous support from coaches and sporting authorities for helping young athletes progress to the national level.
Jharkhand has continued to strengthen its position as one of India’s leading centres for hockey talent, with several players representing the country across senior, junior, and age-group categories. The latest selections further reflect the state’s growing influence in Indian hockey and demonstrate the opportunities available to young athletes through structured training and consistent performance.
