India Selects Squad for Junior Hockey Tournament

Image Credit: Hockey India

Hockey India unveiled an 18 player roster for the FIH Men's Junior World Cup, scheduled to take place from November 28 to December 10 across Chennai and Madurai. The announcement came on November 14, marking a significant milestone for the nation's junior hockey programme.

Rohit, a defender skilled in dragflicking, has been appointed as the team captain following an impressive performance at the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia, where India secured a silver medal. The squad will be guided by PR Sreejesh, the celebrated former Indian goalkeeper who now leads the coaching staff.

The team enters the tournament in Pool B alongside Chile, Switzerland, and Oman, who replaced Pakistan in the grouping. The defensive unit comprises six outfield defenders including Rohit, supported by goalkeepers Bikramjit Singh and Princedeep Singh. The backline features Talem Priyobarta, Anmol Ekka, Amir Ali, Sunil Palakshappa Bennur, and Shardanand Tiwari. Amir Ali stands out as a returning player from the previous Junior World Cup edition.

India's midfield options include Ankit Pal, Adrohit Ekka, Thounaojam Ingalemba Luwang, Manmeet Singh, and Rosan Kujur. The attacking lineup features Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Arshdeep Singh, Ajeet Yadav, Dilraj Singh, and Gurjot Singh, who earned his senior national debut at last year's Asian Champions Trophy in China. Ravneet Singh and Rohit Kullu serve as backup options.

Coach Sreejesh emphasized the team's readiness, stating that players were selected based on physical abilities, technical skills, and crucially, mental resilience needed for high pressure matches. The squad benefited from extensive preparation, including competitive matches against India's senior team at the SAI campus in Bengaluru.

A notable absence from the squad is striker Araijeet Singh Hundal, sidelined due to a shoulder injury. His unavailability represents a significant loss given his standing in the team. Despite this setback, Sreejesh expressed confidence in the squad's potential, describing the unit as motivated and prepared to deliver a strong performance before home audiences in Tamil Nadu.