The Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC) has long been one of the most significant fixtures in junior men’s hockey, serving as both a proving ground for young talent and a tactical laboratory for coaches ahead of major tournaments.
For India’s U21 men’s side, the 2024 edition and the lessons learned from it will play a vital role in shaping their approach to the 2025 FIH Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup, which they will host in Chennai and Madurai later this year.
India’s fixtures for the upcoming SoJC in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, will test them against a mix of familiar rivals and contrasting playing styles:
- 11 Oct – Great Britain 🇬🇧
- 12 Oct – New Zealand 🇳🇿
- 14 Oct – Pakistan 🇵🇰
- 15 Oct – Australia 🇦🇺
- 17 Oct – Malaysia 🇲🇾
Coming off an intensive European Tour featuring 10 matches against some of the continent’s best sides, this tournament represents a final competitive push before the Junior World Cup begins in late November.
A Tournament with History and Prestige
Since its inception in 2011, the Sultan of Johor Cup has been an annual U21 tournament attracting top junior nations, typically in a six-to-eight team format. Great Britain leads the honours list with four titles (2015, 2018, 2019, 2024), while India follows closely with three (2013, 2014, 2022).
For India, the SoJC has been more than a regular tournament it has been a consistent podium platform. Their record:
- Winners – 2013, 2014, 2022
- Runners-up – 2012, 2015, 2018, 2019
- Third place – 2017, 2023, 2024
- Fourth place – 2011
This consistent success underlines India’s strong junior program, but also hints at an area of improvement they have often reached the medal matches, yet not always converted them into gold.
2024 SoJC Lessons Learned
In the most recent edition, India finished third, defeating New Zealand 3–2 in a shootout after a 2–2 draw in regulation. The group stage saw:
- Wins: Japan (4–2), Great Britain (6–4), Malaysia (4–2)
- Draw/Shootout Win: New Zealand (3–3, 3–2 SO)
- Loss: Australia (0–4)
The statistics tell a clear story: 17 goals scored in five group matches showcase attacking firepower, but 15 conceded highlight defensive vulnerabilities. The heavy defeat to Australia in particular exposed gaps in defensive structure, penalty corner defense, and recovery under pressure. Yet, the campaign also reaffirmed a key Indian strength composure in shootouts. This ability to handle high-pressure moments could be decisive in knockout matches at the Junior World Cup.
European Tour Building Depth and Adaptability
Between July 8–20, 2025, India’s “A” men’s team a blend of emerging and experienced U21 players toured Europe, facing Ireland, France, England, Belgium, and world number one Netherlands. The purpose: broaden tactical adaptability, increase match fitness, and build bench strength for the extended 24-team Junior World Cup format. Results were mixed three wins from eight matches but the learning curve was steep.
Wins against France contrasted with heavy defeats to the Netherlands (0–3, 2–8), revealing the need for defensive discipline against the game’s elite. Importantly, younger players experienced high-tempo hockey far removed from domestic competition, a critical step towards readiness for the pressures of a home World Cup.
Key SoJC Opponents Familiar and Formidable
Great Britain Defending SoJC champions, boasting a robust Elite Development Programme. India beat them 6–4 in the 2024 group stage but will know they’re capable of bouncing back strongly.
New Zealand Structured and increasingly competitive, led by 2024 SoJC top scorer Jonty Elmes. Always dangerous on counter-attacks.
Pakistan Did not play SoJC 2024 but finished runner-up to India in the 2024 Junior Asia Cup. A rivalry where form often matters less than nerve.
Australia Runners-up in 2024 and 4–0 winners over India in that edition. Fast, physical, and relentless.
Malaysia Hosts of the SoJC, struggling for consistency but capable of lifting performance in front of home support.
SoJC as the Final Test Before the Junior World Cup
The 2025 FIH Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup (Nov 28–Dec 10) will be the biggest in history with 24 teams. India’s Pool B includes Chile, Switzerland, and Pakistan. The SoJC offers a simulation of World Cup pressure back-to-back games against high-caliber opposition in varying styles, with minimal recovery time.
For head coach and players alike, the SoJC will be about fine-tuning:
- Defensive Fortification – Addressing the lapses that Australia exploited in 2024.
- Set Piece Efficiency – Improving penalty corner conversion and defense.
- Squad Rotation – Ensuring all players are match-ready to cope with the long World Cup schedule.
- Psychological Preparation – Managing the weight of expectation as hosts.
India arrives at the 2025 Sultan of Johor Cup with momentum from a high-intensity European Tour and a clear understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. Their attacking depth, shootout composure, and history of podium finishes make them a strong contender. But the tournament will also serve as a litmus test for their defensive resilience arguably the final piece of the puzzle before they aim for a third Junior World Cup title on home soil.
If the lessons from 2024’s SoJC and the European Tour are applied effectively, this October could be the perfect launchpad for India’s bid to turn home advantage into World Cup gold.
