Junior squad gears up for crucial Johor Test

As the countdown begins for the Junior Hockey World Cup in Chennai and Madurai next month, India’s young brigade will use the Sultan of Johor Cup as a crucial proving ground to sharpen their form, firepower, and confidence. The tournament, beginning Saturday with a high-voltage clash against England, offers the perfect dress rehearsal before the global showpiece starting November 28.

Guiding the team from the sidelines will be India’s legendary goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh, who has taken charge of the junior side with a clear mission to push beyond last year’s bronze finish and aim for the title. Calling the Sultan of Johor Cup a “special tournament” for Indian hockey, Sreejesh said it serves as the ideal launchpad for future stars.

“The Sultan of Johor Cup has always been special; it's where many of our current senior players first made their mark,” said Sreejesh. “It allows young players to test themselves against the world’s best and understand the demands of international hockey.”

Sreejesh believes the competition’s intensity mirrors that of the Junior World Cup, making it an invaluable preparatory platform. “Facing strong teams here gives the boys vital experience and a feel for top-level competition,” he added.

Laying out his blueprint for success, the two-time Olympic bronze medallist stressed on creativity, discipline, and aggression as the team’s core principles. “Our aim is to combine structure with flair, discipline with aggression. The players have trained with great intent, and there’s a strong sense of purpose in the group,” he said.

The coach also emphasized that India’s strategy will revolve around their signature brand of hockey: fast, fearless, and intelligent. “We respect every opponent, but our focus is on our game. The team knows India’s legacy in this tournament and wants to uphold that tradition,” Sreejesh noted.

India entered the tournament as the second-most successful team in the Sultan of Johor Cup’s history, with three titles (2013, 2014, 2022) just behind Great Britain’s four.

Defender Rohit will captain the side, with preparations boosted by a 10-day drag-flick camp in Bengaluru led by former star Rupinder Pal Singh.

After their opening game against England, India will face New Zealand (Oct 12), Pakistan (Oct 14), Australia (Oct 15), and hosts Malaysia (Oct 17). The top two teams from the round-robin stage will contest the final on October 18.

With eyes firmly set on the World Cup, Sreejesh’s young guns are determined to make the Sultan of Johor Cup the perfect launchpad for another golden chapter in Indian hockey.