New Delhi: On November 18, Hockey India revealed the 20-member team for the Men’s Junior Asia Cup, which serves as a qualifying tournament for the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup 2025. The event is scheduled to take place in Muscat, Oman, from November 26 to December 4.
India has a strong history in this tournament, having won it four times, including last year in 2023, when they defeated Pakistan 2-1 in the final. This year, the tournament will feature 10 teams divided into two pools: India, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Korea, and Thailand in Pool A, and Bangladesh, Malaysia, China, Oman, and Pakistan in Pool B.
Although India qualifies for the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup as the host nation, the team, coached by PR Sreejesh, aims to build on their recent success at the Sultan of Johor Cup, where they earned a podium finish.
The squad will be captained by Amir Ali, with Rohit serving as vice-captain. The goalkeeping duties will be handled by Princedeep Singh and Bikramjit Singh. The defensive lineup includes Amir Ali, Talem Priyobarta, Shardanand Tiwari, Yogember Rawat, Anmol Ekka, and Rohit. Midfielders are Ankit Pal, Manmeet Singh, Rosan Kujur, Mukesh Toppo, and Thokchom Kingson Singh, while the forwards consist of Gurjot Singh, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Dilraj Singh, Arshdeep Singh, and Araijeet Singh Hundal. Sukhvinder and Chandan Yadav have been named as alternate players.
Coach Sreejesh expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance at the Sultan of Johor Cup, noting that many players gained valuable experience. He emphasized that the team is focused on building confidence and improving their defensive strategies and goal conversion ahead of the Junior Asia Cup.