Future hockey stars gear up for Johor cup

Hockey India has announced an 18-member Indian Junior Men’s Hockey team for the upcoming Sultan of Johor Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in Malaysia. Defender Rohit has been appointed as the captain of the squad, according to Hockey India’s official website.

The team features two goalkeepers: Bikramjit Singh and Prinsdeep Singh. The defenders include captain Rohit Kullu, Talem Priyobarth, Anmol Ek, Ameer Ali, Sunil P B, and Ravneet Singh. The midfield lineup comprises Ankit Pal, Thounavojam Ingalemba Luang, Adrohit Ek, Arajeet Singh Hundal, Roshan Kujur, and Manmeet Singh. The forwards are Arshdeep Singh, Saurabh Anand Kushwaha, Ajit Yadav, and Gurjot Singh.

In addition to the main squad, five players have been named as standbys: Vivek Lakra, Shardanand Tiwari, Thokchom Kingson Singh, Rohit Kullu, and Dilraj Singh.

India will begin their campaign on October 11 against Great Britain, followed by a match against New Zealand on October 12. The team will then face Pakistan on October 14, Australia on October 15, and host nation Malaysia on October 17 to conclude the round-robin stage. The top two teams on the points table will contest the final on October 18.

India enters the tournament aiming to improve upon their previous performance, where the team secured the bronze medal. Speaking ahead of the competition, India Junior Men’s Hockey team coach P.R. Sreejesh said, “The team is well-prepared for the Sultan of Johor Cup. With the Junior World Cup also approaching, this tournament provides an excellent platform for players to compete against strong international opponents and gain valuable experience. We look forward to delivering a strong performance in Malaysia.”

The Sultan of Johor Cup has traditionally served as an important international platform for junior players, offering exposure to competitive matches and preparing them for larger events such as the Junior World Cup. The Indian team’s preparation and squad selection reflect a focus on blending experienced defenders, midfielders, and forwards to achieve consistent performances throughout the tournament.

Squad details:

Goalkeepers: Bikramjit Singh, Prinsdeep Singh

Defenders: Rohit Kullu (Captain), Talem Priyobarth, Anmol Ek, Ameer Ali, Sunil P B, Ravneet Singh

Midfielders: Ankit Pal, Thounavojam Ingalemba Luang, Adrohit Ek, Arajeet Singh Hundal, Roshan Kujur, Manmeet Singh

Forwards: Arshdeep Singh, Saurabh Anand Kushwaha, Ajit Yadav, Gurjot Singh

Standbys: Vivek Lakra, Shardanand Tiwari, Thokchom Kingson Singh, Rohit Kullu, Dilraj Singh