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ISLAMABAD: The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) has unveiled the schedule for the Under-18 Asia Cup 2026, setting the stage for an exciting showcase of emerging hockey talent in Kakamegahara, Japan, from May 29 to June 6.
The prestigious continental event will feature separate competitions for men and women, bringing together Asia’s most promising young players in a battle for supremacy. In the men’s competition, nine teams have been split into two pools, promising intense group-stage action.
Pool A comprises traditional powerhouses India, Korea, Japan, Chinese Taipei and Kazakhstan, while Pool B features Pakistan, Malaysia, Bangladesh and China. The group is widely seen as competitive yet offering Pakistan a strong opportunity to progress.
Pakistan’s Under-18 side, carrying the weight of expectations, will kick off their campaign against China on May 30. The Green Shirts will then face Malaysia on May 31 before wrapping up their group fixtures against Bangladesh on June 3.
According to the tournament format, group-stage matches will continue until June 1, after which the competition will enter a decisive phase. The semi-finals and classification matches are scheduled for June 5, while the grand final and third-place playoff will be held on June 6.
In preparation for the tournament, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) conducted nationwide trials to identify the best young talent. The recently concluded National Under-18 Hockey Championship further served as a platform to unearth and groom future stars, reflecting a renewed focus on strengthening the grassroots structure of the sport.
