New Delhi, July 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s sub-junior women’s hockey coach Rani Rampal has expressed confidence that her young squad will benefit immensely from the experience gained during the inaugural AHF Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship 2026, where the team secured a historic silver medal and qualified for the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup.
Reflecting on the team’s campaign, Rani said the runners-up finish marked an important milestone for the players, who displayed determination and maturity throughout the tournament against some of Asia’s strongest teams.
She said the experience of competing at the continental level would play a crucial role in the players’ development and prepare them for bigger international challenges in the years ahead. According to Rani, exposure to high-pressure matches at a young age will help the team grow both individually and collectively.
The former India captain praised the players for their commitment and fighting spirit, noting that qualifying for the first-ever FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup was a significant achievement for Indian hockey. She said the success would inspire the young athletes to continue working hard and strive for greater accomplishments on the global stage.
Rani also acknowledged the efforts of the coaching staff and the support system behind the team, stating that sustained investment in grassroots hockey and youth development has begun yielding encouraging results.
India’s silver-medal finish at the inaugural Asian championship not only earned the team a place in the history books but also secured qualification for the first edition of the FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup, providing the country’s emerging talent with another opportunity to compete at the highest level.
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