Former India captain Rani Rampal believes the country’s women’s Under-18 Asia Cup bronze medal-winning team has the potential to form the “core” of future Olympic squads, saying several players from the current batch could go on to represent the nation at the 2032 and 2036 Games.
In her first major assignment as coach, the Indian hockey great guided the young side to a podium finish at the U-18 Women’s Asia Cup in Japan, capping an encouraging campaign that showcased attacking flair, defensive resilience and immense promise.
India scored a staggering 36 goals during the tournament, with striker Nousheen Naz finishing as the top scorer with 12 goals from five matches. Geethasri Nammi struck six times, while captain Sweety Kujur contributed five goals.
“It was a very good tournament in terms of learning for the girls as well as for me as a coach. In this U-18 team, there were many players who were only 14 and 15 years old,” Rani told PTI after the team’s arrival here on Monday.
“There is a huge difference between sub-junior and senior-level hockey in terms of maturity, physicality and strength. I am sure many from this core group will feature in the 2032 and 2036 Olympics. This exposure will help them grow. The more mistakes they make, the more they learn.” India began its campaign with a 2-1 win over Malaysia before defeating South Korea 3-1 and routing Singapore 25-0 to top Pool A.
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The team suffered its only defeat in the semifinals, going down 2-3 in a penalty shootout to eventual champion China after the regulation time ended in a 2-2 stalemate.
India then bounced back strongly to beat South Korea 3-0 in the bronze-medal match, with Sandeepa Kumari, Sweety and Nousheen on target.
Rani was particularly pleased with the manner in which the players handled pressure throughout the competition.
“They got a huge opportunity to play big, high-pressure matches, including a semifinal. To make a comeback and then win a bronze medal wasn’t easy at all. I am impressed by the grit and resolve shown by the team.” Asked about standout performers, Rani singled out Nousheen for special praise but stressed that the team’s success was built on collective effort.
“We have a champion scorer in Nousheen Naz. She has the quality and game intelligence that a striker should have.
“But a striker can score only when the team creates opportunities. Other players gave her very good passes. We have talented defenders, midfielders and strikers who can become very good players in the future.” On her own coaching ambitions, the 2017 Asia Cup-winning captain said she is focused on learning and growing in her new role.
“I have just started my coaching journey. I am taking one tournament at a time and not thinking too much about the future.
“As a player, I could not fulfil my dream of winning an Olympic medal. My wish is to see India on the podium one day as a coach, or in whatever capacity I am associated with the team.”
‘Golden miss’
Captain Sweety Kujur, however, admitted that the bronze medal brought mixed emotions.
“It pains more than any happy feeling. We were a gold medal-winning team but unfortunately lost in the semifinals. This bronze is a consolation prize, though I am happy we brought home a medal.
“In the semifinal, after taking the lead, we came under pressure while defending it and eventually lost. What we learnt is that we should not become defensive when we are ahead. We need to think and play positively.” Sweety credited Rani for the team’s development and growth during the tournament.
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“Rani ma’am played a huge role in shaping this team. She was always available for us, took extra care and worked very hard with us.” I believe this group will progress from the sub-junior level to junior and then senior hockey. We are a very good team.” Top-scorer Nousheen said representing India and finishing on the podium was a dream come true.
“We practised well, and that helped us perform well and win. For my success, I thank Rani ma’am for all her support and motivation.
“I never imagined I would represent India and win a bronze medal. My next target is to win medals at the junior and senior levels. I will now focus on preparing for the junior camps.”
Published on Jun 08, 2026
