A Strategic Build‑Up in China
Leaving Bengaluru on 23 August, the Indian junior men’s hockey squad touched down in Dalian on 24 August, where they entered a four‑day training block that ran until 27 August. The schedule combined on‑field drills with tactical sessions aimed at sharpening the team’s cohesion before the upcoming tournament.
During their stay, the Indians lined up three practice matches against the host nation’s junior side, meeting China on 28, 30 and 31 August. These games were designed to test new combinations and give the coaching staff a realistic gauge of the team’s readiness.
After the Dalian stint, the squad transferred to Moqi on 1 September for a final camp that would fine‑tune their form ahead of the competition. The move underscored the importance of a seamless transition from practice to match play.
The Junior Asia Cup 2026 places India in Pool A alongside Korea, Japan, Chinese Taipei and Indonesia. The tournament kicks off on 5 September with a 09:00 Hrs clash against Indonesia, followed by fixtures against Japan on 6 September, Korea on 8 September and Chinese Taipei on 9 September.
Head coach Frederic Soyez emphasized that the Dalian and Moqi camps were pivotal in building on recent friendly encounters with Malaysia, noting that the exposure to varied playing styles would be crucial when the team faced stronger Asian opponents.