Indian hockey witnessed one of its proudest moments of the year at the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup 2025, held in Tamil Nadu, where India clinched a well-earned bronze medal after a dramatic 4–2 comeback win against Argentina.
At the heart of this achievement were two emerging talents of Vedanta Kalinga Lancers midfielder Rosan Kujur and defender Sunil PB whose performances throughout the campaign underscored their readiness for the next big stage: the Hockey India League (HIL) 2026.
The bronze medal match will be remembered as one of India’s most spirited turnarounds in the tournament. Trailing against a strong Argentine unit, India responded with extraordinary resilience, netting four goals in just 11 minutes to take control of the contest. The victory not only secured India a podium finish but also showcased the character of a young squad capable of thriving under pressure.
Rising Through the Ranks: Kujur and Sunil’s Impactful Campaign
Across the tournament, Rosan Kujur emerged as one of India’s most influential midfielders. His game intelligence, ball control, and attacking instincts played a vital role in India’s progression, with his standout performance coming in the 7–0 win over Chile, where he netted two crucial goals. His consistency reflected the strides he has made in the junior setup and the confidence he carries into his first full HIL season with the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers.
At the back, Sunil PB provided stability and calmness in defence. His discipline, positional awareness, and ability to read the game allowed India to maintain defensive shape even under pressure. Like Kujur, Sunil was previously instrumental in India’s silver-medal finish at the Sultan of Johor Cup earlier this year, reinforcing his reputation as one of the brightest defensive talents in the junior circuit.
In addition, 18-year-old Rohit Kullu, another Vedanta Kalinga Lancers talent, was named as a standby for the Junior World Cup squad an encouraging sign of the franchise’s growing influence in India’s developmental pipeline.
Vedanta’s Vision: A System Backing Youth
Congratulating the Indian team and his franchise’s young stars, Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, shared his pride in their achievements:
“Congratulations to Team India on their fantastic bronze medal at the Junior World Cup. Our Vedanta Kalinga Lancers players Rosan and Sunil played key roles in this achievement, and we’re proud of their contributions. We’re also happy to see young talent Rohit Kullu included as a standby. We look forward to the new Hockey India League season with our players in great form and ready to perform.”
Vedanta’s commitment to nurturing young talent has become increasingly visible through its investments and opportunities within the Kalinga Lancers setup. This structure has created a platform where players like Rosan and Sunil can refine their skills with high-level coaching, international exposure, and a competitive league environment.
Players Reflect: Pride, Progress, and New Challenges Ahead
For Rosan Kujur, the Junior World Cup was not merely a tournament; it was a defining chapter in his young career.
“Playing for India on home soil and being part of this incredible comeback in the 3rd place match was unforgettable. Scoring twice against Chile boosted my confidence, but it was the team’s unity that truly stood out,” he said.
Looking ahead to HIL 2026, Rosan added,
“With the Hockey India League starting soon, I look forward to adding to my performance and keep learning like I did last year. The support from Vedanta Kalinga Lancers has been instrumental in growing my game, and this year playing under Australian legend Jay Stacy really excites me.”
Sunil PB echoed similar pride in India’s podium finish.
“Winning a World Cup bronze brings a huge sense of achievement. Even though we missed out on the finals, the fact that we didn’t return empty-handed from a global tournament held in our home conditions and recovered well from the loss against Germany makes me immensely happy.”
For Sunil, the upcoming HIL season represents both a dream fulfilled and a new challenge:
“I feel very lucky that Vedanta Kalinga Lancers showed trust in me and picked me. I have always wanted to play in the Hockey India League and this will be a dream come true. I’m eager to learn from experienced players and coaches and uplift my skills.”
A Bright Future for Odisha’s Franchise and Indian Hockey
As Vedanta Kalinga Lancers gear up for the 2026 Hockey India League, they do so with renewed confidence. With players like Rosan, Sunil, and Rohit emerging from the junior national ranks and carrying international experience, the franchise stands poised to build a strong, dynamic squad for the upcoming season.
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The successes of 2025 are more than medals they represent the rising wave of young Indian hockey players stepping confidently onto bigger platforms, ready to shape the country’s future in the sport.
