The FIH Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 will unfold in Tamil Nadu across Chennai and Madurai from 28 November to 10 December, marking one of the most significant moments in India’s junior hockey landscape.
More than just a global event, this edition carries added weight for Indian hockey: it serves as a talent evaluation platform for the next generation that will shape the senior team heading into the 2028 and 2032 Olympic cycles.
Hosting the event brings an undeniable advantage through familiar conditions and home support, but it also raises the psychological stakes for a young squad still transitioning into top-level competitiveness.
India enters the tournament aiming to improve upon its fourth-place finish in 2023 and chase its first junior world title since 2016. With expectations high and a talented group assembled, the home campaign promises a revealing test of depth, structure, and temperament.
Squad Structure and Tactical Balance
India’s squad for the Junior World Cup reflects a carefully crafted blend of defensive stability, midfield versatility, and high-tempo attacking play. The selection prioritises flexibility and role adaptability, aligning well with the coaching staff’s preferred transition-heavy style.
Defence and Goalkeeping
Captain Rohit, the anchor of India’s defence, offers far more than leadership. His quality as a drag-flicker gives India a reliable set-piece threat—an essential component in junior hockey. Supporting him are defenders Pawan Rajbhar, Manmeet Singh, and Rohit Lakra, each bringing complementary traits ranging from interceptions and tackling strength to confidence in ball progression.
In goal, Suraj Tiwari and Ravit Singh form a strong tactical pairing. Tiwari’s composure suits clashes against structured European opponents, while Ravit’s aggressive style is ideal against teams that rely on rapid transitions. Expect rotational usage based on match demands.
India’s midfield operates as the tactical engine of the team. Ankit Pal anchors the centre, dictating tempo and stabilising possession phases. Adrohit Ekka contributes defensive assurance and distribution depth, while Luwang offers line-breaking dribbling and acceleration. Rosan Kujur provides much-needed defensive cover, enabling the unit to rotate and advance in phases. Collectively, this group lets India alternate between possession control and rapid transitions.
Attack and Forward Depth
India’s forward line features dynamic talents capable of exploiting space and defensive errors. Sourabh Anand Kushwaha has matured into a versatile, intelligent attacker, while Arshdeep Singh and Dilraj Singh bring sharp movement and positional awareness. Gurjot Singh and Ajeet Yadav add depth and counterattacking threat.
One notable absence is Araijeet Singh Hundal, whose injury removes India’s only physically dominant striker affecting long-ball strategies and hold-up play in tight circles.
Full squad:
Goalkeepers: Bikramjit Singh, Princedeep Singh
Defenders: Rohit (C), Talem Priyobarta, Anmol Ekka, Amir Ali, Sunil Palakshappa Bennur, Shardanand Tiwari
Midfielders: Ankit Pal, Thounaojam Ingalemba Luwang, Adrohit Ekka, Rosan Kujur, Manmeet Singh, Gurjot Singh
Forwards: Arshdeep Singh, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Ajeet Yadav, Dilraj Singh
Alternates: Ravneet Singh, Rohit Kullu
Understanding the Pool: Chile, Switzerland, Oman
India competes in Pool B alongside Chile, Switzerland, and Oman each posing different tactical challenges.
- Chile adopt a compact, disciplined defensive block, forcing opponents to break them down with creativity rather than speed.
- Switzerland bring European structure, emphasising possession and controlled build-up. Their slower tempo could frustrate India’s transition-heavy style.
- Oman replace Pakistan, who declined participation. Oman rely on direct play and pace, making defensive organisation crucial.
Pools Overview
- Pool A: Germany, Canada, South Africa, Ireland
- Pool B: India, Oman, Switzerland, Chile
- Pool C: Argentina, New Zealand, Japan, China
- Pool D: Spain, Belgium, Egypt, Namibia
- Pool E: Netherlands, Malaysia, England, Austria
- Pool F: France, Australia, Korea, Bangladesh
Germany arrive as defending champions, while Argentina and the Netherlands remain strong contenders.
Format and the Critical Role of Goal Difference
This year’s 24-team format six pools of four allows only six pool winners and the two best second-placed teams to reach the quarterfinals. With limited spots, goal difference carries enormous weight. India must not only win, but win emphatically to avoid depending on other results.
India’s Playing Philosophy
India’s identity remains rooted in fast-transition hockey. High pressing, quick vertical movement, and aggressive number overloads are central to their approach. Press triggers are carefully structured, particularly in the right-half channel and central corridors.
While this creates scoring chances, any mistimed press risks exposing the defence especially against teams capable of passing through tight spaces.
Penalty corners, led by captain Rohit’s drag-flicking, are a major weapon. India employ a range of variations, though Hundal’s absence affects certain deflection-based routines.
Strengths and Vulnerabilities
Strengths
- Home advantage and acclimatisation to Chennai–Madurai humidity
- Fast, incisive transition play spearheaded by Sourabh Anand, Arshdeep and Dilraj
- Strong midfield control through Pal and Ekka
- Reliable set-piece execution via Rohit
- Recent exposure to competitive environments
Weaknesses
- Lack of a physical striker to anchor attacks
- Defensive lapses under high pressure
- Penalty-corner defence remains inconsistent
- Potential home-pressure anxiety, particularly in crunch moments
Where to Watch
All matches of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 will stream live on JioHotstar.
Tune in and cheer for the Boys in Blue as they take the field on home soil.
