After a gap of nearly 51 years, Panjab University (PU) in Chandigarh will once again host a national preparatory camp for an Indian hockey team. Hockey India has confirmed that the national coaching camp for the Indian Men's U-18 hockey team will be held at the PU campus grounds starting Monday, July 6, 2026. The camp is being organized in preparation for the AHF Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship-2026, scheduled to take place in Oman from July 20 to 25.
Camp Inauguration and Participants
The camp will be inaugurated by Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig. It will feature several international junior hockey players who have already brought laurels to the country. The camp is scheduled to run from July 6 to 17, 2026.
Historical Context: The 1975 World Cup Camp
In 1975, the same campus grounds hosted a preparatory camp for the Indian senior hockey team bound for the Kuala Lumpur World Cup. That team, under the supervision of hockey legend and triple Olympian Balbir Singh as chief coach, and captained by Ajit Pal Singh, made history by defeating Pakistan 2-1 in the final to bring home the World Cup title. Goals from Surjit Singh and Ashok Kumar secured the victory at the Merdeka Stadium. The then Punjab Chief Minister, Giani Zail Singh, used to visit the team on campus, and practice sessions drew packed stands of young hockey enthusiasts.
Modern Facilities for the Current Camp
Unlike the 1975 camp held on grassy grounds, the current camp will be conducted on synthetic turf. The university has provided a full-sized Astroturf hockey pitch with floodlights for daily training sessions, a gymnasium for strength and conditioning, a swimming pool for recovery, and twin-sharing accommodation for 16 players along with four coaching and support staff members. Meals will also be provided.
Official Statements
“Hockey India highly values the continued support and partnership extended by Panjab University in the development of Indian hockey. Your excellent sports infrastructure and past support have been instrumental in our preparatory programmes. We are confident that with your cooperation, the team will be able to prepare effectively for the upcoming Asian Championship,” reads a circular issued by Cdr RK Srivastava, Director General of Hockey India, to Gurcharan Singh Gill, professor at SGGS College, Sector 26.
Rakesh Malik, Director of Sports at Panjab University, said, “It’s a great honour for the university and hockey lovers of the nation and region. The Panjab University will provide all assistance to the side, and will chalk out the plans for developing the sport with the help of Hockey India. The university will also initiate the process of signing a memorandum of understanding with Hockey India for hosting more such opportunities and tournaments in the near future.”
Coaching Staff and Recent Success
The U-18 team will be trained under former Indian team captain and current coach Sardar Singh. Last month, the Indian U-18 team won the Asia Cup-2026 hockey tournament in Kakamigahara, Japan, defeating the hosts 4-1 in the final.
