Hockey India has announced an 18-member Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team for the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025.
Hockey India has announced an 18-member Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team for the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025.
Defender Rohit has been named captain of this side.
The squad includes:
Goalkeepers: Bikramjit Singh, Princedeep Singh
Defenders: Rohit (C), 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
In addition, several players are named as standby reserves: Vivek Lakra, Shardanand Tiwari, Thockchom Kingson Singh, Rohit Kullu, and Dilraj Singh.
Notably, two former cadets of the SAIL Hockey Academy, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSA/SAIL Academy) have made it to the squad:
Anmol Ekka (direct selection)
Thockchom Kingson Singh (named as standby)
Leadership & Coaching
Rohit will lead as the captain, and the management will rely on his leadership in a tight tournament.
The coach (or team management) sees this tournament as a preparatory platform ahead of the Junior World Cup.
The team has been undergoing training and building combinations in defense, midfield, and attack to form cohesion.
📅 Schedule & Format
India will begin their Johor Cup campaign on 11 October, facing Great Britain.
Their other group‐stage matches are:
12 October: vs New Zealand
14 October: vs Pakistan
15 October: vs Australia
17 October: vs Malaysia (host)
The top two teams at the end of the round‐robin will advance to the final on 18 October.
✅ Strengths, Opportunities & Key Players
Strengths & Edge
The squad is balanced: a blend of defenders, midfielders, and attackers with depth.
Some players come with experience from past tournaments, giving them composure.
The inclusion of SAIL Academy alumni (Anmol, Kingson) shows strong grassroots development and gives the team local pride momentum.
Rohit’s captaincy will be crucial—his leadership in defense can be a stabilizing factor.
Players to Watch
Anmol Ekka – already trusted in the main squad; his role might be pivotal in defense or midfield.
Bikramjit Singh / Princedeep Singh – goalkeepers, critical to preventing early goals.
Rosan Kujur, Ankit Pal, Araijeet Singh – midfielders who will connect defense and attack.
Arshdeep Singh, Gurjot Singh, Ajeet Yadav – forwards who will be responsible for finishing chances.
🎯 Challenges & What India Must Do
Opponents like Great Britain, Australia, and Pakistan are historically strong at junior levels. India cannot underestimate any match.
Maintaining consistency across the five round-robin matches will be tough. A single slip (defeat or draw) might cost a place in the final.
Handling pressure in knockout stages (especially in the final) will require composure, match temperament, and tactical discipline.
Defensive solidity and converting scoring opportunities will be crucial in tightly contested games.
Fitness, rotation, and managing player fatigue over the compact schedule will be critical.
📰 Recent Highlights & Local Angles
Chandigarh Representation: Two players, Rohit and Bikramjit Singh, hail from Chandigarh and have made it to the Indian junior side.
SAIL Academy Pride: Anmol Ekka (from Keshramal, Sundargarh district) and Thockchom Kingson Singh (standby) are alumni of the Rourkela SAIL Hockey Academy. Their selection has generated excitement in Odisha’s sports circles.
The team is keen to improve upon the bronze finish of 2024 and aims to go one step ahead this time.
🏁 Outlook & Expectations
India has ambitions not just to reach the final, but to win the Sultan of Johor Cup in 2025.
The tournament doubles as a preparatory ground for the upcoming Junior World Cup, making it even more significant.
If the team performs with the right balance of flair and discipline, they will be contenders. But consistency and match management will separate champions from runners-up.
