Junior Hockey Squad Eyes World Cup Glory

Hockey India has announced the 18-member Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team that will compete in the eagerly anticipated FIH Men’s Junior World Cup, scheduled to take place in Tamil Nadu. The tournament, which is set to begin on November 28 and run until December 10, will be played across the cities of Chennai and Madurai, providing the young Indian side with the powerful advantage of competing on home turf.

The squad will be led by defender and renowned drag-flick specialist, Rohit, who has been named as the Captain. Rohit’s leadership was clearly evident during the recent Sultan of Johor Cup, where his standout performances contributed significantly to the team clinching the Silver medal. His experience in both defensive stability and crucial set-piece execution will be vital to India’s campaign.

In a move that combines seasoned knowledge with fresh talent, the team is being guided by the legendary former India goalkeeper, P.R. Sreejesh, serving as the Coach. Sreejesh has emphasized that the team selection focused not just on skill and physical capability but also on the players’ crucial “mental ability to perform under pressure”—a core trait needed for success at this elite international level.

The selection committee has opted for a well-rounded and tested team composition. The defense lineup is anchored by Captain Rohit and includes the experienced Amir Ali, who was part of the previous edition of the Junior World Cup, alongside other key defenders like Shardanand Tiwari and Anmol Ekka. Goalkeeping duties will be shared by Bikramjit Singh and Princedeep Singh, both of whom have shown consistency in recent exposure tournaments.

The midfield unit features a blend of creativity and work ethic, including Ankit Pal, Manmeet Singh, and Rosan Kujur, who have demonstrated strong chemistry throughout the rigorous training blocks. The forward line will see players like Gurjot Singh taking up the mantle. Gurjot has already gained valuable exposure by debuting for the Senior India team in the Asian Champions Trophy last year, giving the attack a much-needed edge in pace and finishing ability.

The team has been placed in Pool B for the preliminary round, where they will face challenging opponents: Chile, Switzerland, and Oman. Oman stepped in as a replacement for Pakistan, who withdrew from the competition. India’s campaign will kick off on November 28 against Chile at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai.

The only significant absence from the 18-member roster is the influential forward, Araijeet Singh Hundal. Hundal, a prominent junior star who has also featured for the senior team, is unfortunately ruled out of the tournament due to a shoulder injury. Despite this setback, the team remains upbeat, having had the unique opportunity to train alongside their senior counterparts at the SAI campus in Bengaluru, which has greatly boosted their confidence and readiness for this home tournament. The team is aiming for a strong finish as the Junior World Cup returns to India after more than a decade.