'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Hockey India have announced an 18-member Indian junior men's hockey team for the upcoming edition of the Sultan of Johor Cup on Sunday (October 6). The 12th edition of the competition is scheduled to commence on October 19 in Malaysia.
Two-time Olympic bronze medalist and former Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has been appointed as the head coach of the Indian junior men's hockey team. Defender Amir Ali has been named the captain while Rohit will serve as his deputy.
Captain Amir Ali and forward Gujrot Singh will be the key players for the Men in Blue, having represented the senior team in the recently concluded Asian Champions Trophy 2024.
The Indian junior team will open their campaign against Japan on October 19. Their remaining matches are scheduled against Great Britain, Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand on October 20, 22, 23 & 25, respectively.
Captain Amir Ali spoke about the importance of the Sultan of Johor Cup. He was quoted saying in the press release:
“The Sultan of Johor Cup is an important tournament in our calendar as always. The tournament will serve as a litmus test for the team ahead of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup Muscat 2024 in November this year. All the players are excited to play some intense hockey matches in Malaysia.”
Vice-captain Rohit was praised for the newly appointed head coach PR Sreejesh and was delighted to play under his guidance. The Indian defender spoke to Hockey India and said:
“We have an Indian hockey legend taking charge of the team, the whole team is raring to go. PR Sreejesh is one of the most experienced players to play for India, and we look forward to making him proud in our first tournament. The mood in the camp has been excellent and we want to capitalize on this by showcasing our potential at the Sultan of Johor Cup.”
Indian squad for Sultan of Johor Cup 2024
Goalkeepers: Bikramjit Singh, Ali Khan.
Defenders: Amir Ali (c), Talem Priyobarta, Shardanand Tiwari, Sukhvinder, Anmol Ekka, Rohit (vc).
Midfielders: Ankit Pal, Manmeet Singh, Rosan Kujur, Mukesh Toppo, Chandan Yadav.
Forwards: Gurjot Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Dilraj Singh, Mohd. Konain Dad.
