Hockey India has announced the 18-member Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team that will travel to Malaysia for the prestigious Sultan of Johor Cup 2025, scheduled from 11 to 18 October.
Defender Rohit has been entrusted with the captaincy as India aims to improve on their bronze medal finish from the previous edition. The announcement marks an important step in India’s preparations for the FIH Junior Men’s World Cup, with the Johor Cup serving as both a test and a platform for the country’s brightest young prospects to showcase their skills on the international stage.
The 18-member squad features two goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders, and four forwards, providing a balanced composition across all departments.
- Goalkeepers: Bikramjit Singh, Princedeep Singh
- Defenders: Rohit (Captain), Talem Priyobarta, Anmol Ekka, Amir Ali, Sunil P B, Ravneet Singh
- Midfielders: Ankit Pal, Thounaojam Ingalemba Luwang, Adrohit Ekka, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Rosan Kujur, Manmeet Singh
- Forwards: Arshdeep Singh, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Ajeet Yadav, Gurjot Singh
The squad also has five standby players Vivek Lakra, Shardanand Tiwari, Thockchom Kingson Singh, Rohit Kullu, and Dilraj Singh who will serve as reserves. Rohit’s appointment as captain reflects his leadership qualities and composure in defense, while the inclusion of promising forwards such as Arshdeep Singh and Gurjot Singh adds a cutting edge to India’s attack. The midfield, anchored by the likes of Araijeet Singh Hundal and Ankit Pal, combines creativity with work rate, essential in a high-intensity round-robin format.
Coach’s Perspective: A Dress Rehearsal for the World Cup
India’s Junior Men’s Team Coach, PR Sreejesh, emphasized the importance of the tournament in preparing for bigger challenges ahead:
“The team has been preparing well for the Sultan of Johor Cup. We have a good group of players, and with the Junior World Cup coming up, this tournament will be a valuable rehearsal. It will test our boys against strong international opponents and provide much-needed experience. We are looking forward to putting up a strong performance in Malaysia.”
The Sultan of Johor Cup has historically been a crucial competition for developing future stars of Indian hockey. Many players who featured in past editions, including members of the 2016 Junior World Cup-winning squad, went on to represent the senior national team.
India’s Road in Malaysia
The tournament will be played in a round-robin format, with six nations competing before the top two teams advance to the final on October 18. India’s schedule is packed with high-stakes encounters:
- October 11 – vs Great Britain
- October 12 – vs New Zealand
- October 14 – vs Pakistan
- October 15 – vs Australia
- October 17 – vs Malaysia (hosts)
These fixtures promise to test India’s tactical adaptability and endurance, especially with back-to-back matches against New Zealand and arch-rivals Pakistan. The clash with hosts Malaysia, always buoyed by passionate home support, will be a crucial contest before the medal round.
In the 2024 edition, India claimed the bronze medal, showcasing resilience but falling short of the gold. This year, the goal will be to turn that podium finish into something more memorable. The players have been training intensively at national camps, with a focus on improving conversion from penalty corners and sharpening defensive structures under pressure. Captain Rohit will be tasked with marshalling the defense against fast-paced opponents like Australia, while the forward line must seize scoring chances in tight matches. The midfield, led by Hundal, will need to dictate tempo and transition play efficiently a factor that often decides close contests at this level.
A Launchpad for Future Stars
The Sultan of Johor Cup has often been the stage where Indian hockey’s next generation makes its mark. Former captains like Manpreet Singh and stars like Harmanpreet Singh once used this tournament as a stepping stone toward senior international success. For the current squad, this edition presents a similar opportunity. Players such as Araijeet Singh Hundal, known for his flair in midfield, and striker Arshdeep Singh, with his knack for scoring in big matches, will be closely watched. For goalkeepers Bikramjit Singh and Princedeep Singh, this is a chance to prove themselves under international pressure, an experience crucial ahead of the World Cup.
First held in 2011, the Sultan of Johor Cup has become one of the most respected under-21 tournaments in world hockey. It regularly features powerhouse teams like Australia, Great Britain, and Pakistan, providing India’s youngsters with exposure to top-tier competition. India has won the tournament multiple times, including back-to-back triumphs in 2013 and 2014, but recent years have seen tougher battles as global competition has intensified. This year’s edition carries additional weight, given its timing just months before the Junior World Cup. A strong performance in Johor not only boosts confidence but also helps coaches finalize combinations for the bigger challenge ahead.
With a blend of leadership, youthful energy, and hunger for success, India’s junior side heads into the Sultan of Johor Cup aiming to build momentum. The tournament will be more than just about medals it will be about learning, adapting, and laying down markers against some of the world’s best junior teams. If the team can improve on last year’s bronze and reach the final, it will signal that India’s pipeline of hockey talent remains strong and capable of feeding the senior team in the coming years. With eyes firmly on the Junior World Cup, the Sultan of Johor Cup will serve as both a proving ground and a confidence booster.
As the countdown begins to October 11, when India face Great Britain in their opener, the message from Hockey India is clear: this young team is ready to take the next step.
Indian performance at the tournament.
Gold – 2013, 2014, 2022
Silver – 2012, 2015, 2018, 2019
Bronze – 2017, 2023, 2024
