Indian sports wrap, July 14: Haryana sweeps team titles at U-23 wrestling nationals; Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship squad announced

WRESTLING

Haryana dictates proceedings at U-23 National Wrestling Championship

Powerhouse Haryana clean swept the team titles across all three formats – men’s freestyle, Greco-Roman, and women’s section – at the 2026 U-23 National Wrestling Championship at MDU Rohtak.

The host state topped the men’s freestyle division with 200 points, the Greco-Roman category with 195 points, and the women’s wrestling field with 183 points. The Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) put up a strong challenge to finish as runner-up in both men’s freestyle (138 points) and Greco-Roman (165 points), while Maharashtra claimed the second spot on the podium in the women’s team standings with 160 points.

Lauding the performance of the young athletes, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Sanjay Kumar Singh said, “The exceptional standard of competition witnessed here highlights the incredible depth in our U-23 ranks. Haryana’s clean sweep across all three styles underscores their robust training pipeline, while institutions like the Services and various state teams continue to push the benchmarks higher. The federation is fully committed to providing these top performers with elite international exposure as they transition to the senior level.”

-Team Sportstar

HOCKEY

Hockey India announces squads for men’s, women’s Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship

Hockey India on Tuesday announced the Indian sub-junior men’s and women’s squads for the inaugural Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship, scheduled to be held in Muscat from July 20 to 25.

The tournament will feature Asia’s brightest emerging hockey talent, with seven teams each competing in both categories. The men’s competition will feature host Oman, India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh, while the women’s competition will see India, Pakistan, Oman, China, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Iran in action.

The Championship also carries added significance as it serves as the official Asian qualifier for the inaugural FIH U18 Youth Hockey5s World Cup.

The Indian squads were selected from a group of 15 players each in the two national camps currently going on in Bhopal (women) and Chandigarh (men).

The sub-junior women’s squad of 10 players includes goalkeepers Khili Kumari and Mahak Parihar. The defensive responsibilities will be shouldered by Nilam Topno and Kiran Ekka, while Diya, Pushpa Manjhi and Shruti Kumari form the midfield unit. The forward line comprises Nousheen Naz, Sandeepa Kumari and Sweety Kujur, who will captain the team.

The women’s sub-junior squad pose for a picture at the MP State Shooting Academy.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The sub-junior men’s squad comprises goalkeepers Sawan Kumar and Ayush Rajak, with Karan Gautam and Ashish Tani Purti as the two defenders. The midfield unit features Rahul Yadav and Romit Pal, while the forward line consists of captain Ketan Kushwaha, Prahalad Rajbhar, Arshdeep Singh and Shahrukh Ali.

The male sub-junior counterparts are training in Chandigarh.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Speaking on the squad selection, Rani, coach of the sub-junior women’s team, said, “We have selected a balanced squad with a good mix of skill, speed and character. The players have worked extremely hard during the preparatory camp and have shown great commitment to improving every aspect of their game.”

The sub-junior men’s team has Sardar Singh as its coach, and he is confident the team will perform well in Oman.

“The squad has earned its place through consistent performances and a strong work ethic during the training camp. Hockey5s is an exciting format that rewards speed, creativity and composure under pressure, and the boys have adapted well to its unique demands. Our emphasis has been on building a cohesive unit that can execute our plans with confidence while playing an attacking brand of hockey.”

-Team Sportstar

Published on Jul 14, 2026