Historic Wins Boost India's Quest for Youth Hockey5s World Cup Spot

Muscat, Oman – The Indian sub‑junior men’s and women’s squads reinforced their dominance in the 2026 FIH Youth Hockey 5s Asian Championship on July 24, delivering victories that keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.

The women’s team posted a flawless 10‑0 win over Kazakhstan. Noshin Naj’s early double set the tone, while Sandeep Kumari’s hat‑trick (11th, 16th, 18th minutes) and goals from Kiran Ekka, Neelam Topno and Pushpa Manjhi completed the rout.

On the men’s side, India edged Bangladesh 8‑3. Captain Ketan Kushwaha scored in the 4th and 8th minutes, adding two more in the second half. Shah Rukh Ali contributed a goal in the 3rd minute. Bangladesh responded through Mo. Hosen and Sohrab Soton, but the latter’s second‑half brace was the only consolation.

Further scoring came from Romit Pal, Prahlad Rajbhar and Rahul Yadav, ensuring a comfortable margin. The triumphs secure India’s place among the Asian qualifiers for the inaugural Youth Hockey 5s World Cup.

Upcoming fixtures see the women taking on China and Uzbekistan, while the men will face Oman and Pakistan later on the same day.