The Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team brought the curtain down on 2025 with a season that combined tangible success with long-term promise, finishing the year with two major international medals and a clearly defined pathway for the future.
Silver at the 2025 Sultan of Johor Cup and bronze at the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 marked a year of sustained progress, structured preparation, and composure under pressure.
At the heart of this successful campaign was a carefully planned build-up led by PR Sreejesh, whose emphasis on preparation, player clarity and mental toughness shaped the junior side into a cohesive unit. A series of national training camps held across the year allowed the coaching staff to identify combinations, refine roles, and ensure that players peaked at the right time as the season moved steadily towards the Junior World Cup in December.
India’s competitive journey began in June at the Four Nations Tournament in Germany, which served as an early test against elite opposition. Facing hosts Germany along with Spain and Australia, the Indian junior side was exposed to high-tempo, structured European hockey. While India finished third, the campaign was significant for the lessons it offered. A notable 2–1 win over Australia in the third-place match provided confidence, while the overall experience offered clarity on tactical systems and player adaptability against top-tier sides.
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Those learnings were carried forward into the Sultan of Johor Cup in October, where India delivered a composed and consistent performance to claim the silver medal. The junior side registered crucial victories over Great Britain, New Zealand and Malaysia, while also producing a hard-fought 3–3 draw against Pakistan in the league stage. India’s ability to manage games, recover from difficult phases and maintain structure stood out throughout the tournament.
The final against Australia proved to be a narrow and painful defeat. Locked at 1–1 deep into the contest, India conceded in the 59th minute, eventually losing 1–2. Despite the disappointment, the silver medal represented a significant milestone, underlining India’s growing competitiveness at the junior international level.
All roads then led to the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025, the season’s defining assignment, staged on home soil. India began the tournament with authority, recording three convincing pool-stage wins over Chile, Oman and Switzerland to progress comfortably into the knockout rounds. The team’s attacking intent and defensive organisation were evident, as players executed their roles with confidence.
The quarter-final against Belgium emerged as a defining moment of the campaign. After a closely contested match, India held their nerve in the shootout to secure a 4–3 victory, with goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh producing two crucial saves. His calm presence in the high-pressure situation proved decisive, sending India into the semi-finals and igniting belief within the squad.
India’s journey was halted in the semi-final by eventual champions Germany, who claimed a 5–1 win. While the margin was disappointing, the response in the third-place playoff showcased the character of the Indian side. Facing Argentina, India found themselves two goals down by the fourth quarter, but produced a remarkable turnaround. Four unanswered goals in the final 15 minutes sealed a memorable comeback and secured the bronze medal, India’s second international podium finish of the year.
Individually, several players stood out over the course of the season. Manmeet Singh finished as India’s highest scorer at the Junior World Cup with six goals, while Shardanand Tiwari and Dilraj Singh contributed five goals each, providing consistent attacking output. Captain Rohit grew into a commanding leader, sharpening his drag-flicking skills into a reliable weapon in crucial moments. Up front, Dilraj Singh and Arshdeep Singh offered pace and penetration, while in midfield, Anmol Ekka emerged as the engine of the side, linking defence and attack with maturity beyond his years.
At the back, Prince Deep Singh’s evolution into a dependable last line of defence stood out, particularly in high-pressure knockout scenarios. His performances reflected the growing depth and confidence within India’s junior goalkeeping pool.
With a silver medal at the Sultan of Johor Cup and bronze at the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025, the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team did more than just collect results. The 2025 season demonstrated a clear vision, effective planning and the emergence of players capable of stepping up at the next level. As Hockey India looks ahead, the year has laid a strong foundation for the future, reinforcing belief that the next generation of Indian hockey is well prepared for the challenges ahead.
