India’s junior men’s hockey squad is ready to head to Malaysia for the 13th Sultan of Johor Cup, a key tournament that could set the tone for the Junior World Cup later this year. The competition will run from October 11‑18 in Johor Bahru, where India looks to regain the top spot and continue its strong legacy in this annual junior event.
India is the second‑most successful team in the tournament’s history, with three titles in 2013, 2014 and 2022. Only Great Britain, with four trophies, has won more. The French Colts have also earned four silver medals (2012, 2015, 2018, 2019) and two bronze medals (2023, 2024), showing the depth of talent in India’s hockey pipeline.
### The Road Ahead
India opens its campaign on Saturday, October 11, facing Great Britain in a match that pits two of the tournament’s most decorated sides against each other. The team will then play New Zealand on October 12, Pakistan on October 14, Australia on October 15, and the hosts, Malaysia, on October 17. The top two teams after the round‑robin will clash for the title on October 18.
### Coach’s Message
“Every year, the Sultan of Johor Cup feels special to us,” says coach P R Sreejesh. “It’s where many of our senior players first made their mark. This tournament gives our young players a great chance to test themselves against the world’s best and learn how to perform consistently on the international stage.” He added that the team has been working hard to build a balanced unit that can blend structure with creativity, discipline with aggression. “The boys have trained intensely in recent weeks, and there’s a strong sense of purpose in the group,” Sreejesh said. “Playing against elite teams here will help us prepare for the Junior World Cup later in the year.”
Sreejesh emphasized the team’s focus on their own playing style—fast, fearless, and intelligent hockey—while respecting every opponent. “We know the legacy India holds in this tournament,” he said. “The players are determined to uphold that tradition and aim for nothing less than the top.”
The Indian Junior men’s hockey attention is now on the field, as they prepare to bring pride home from Johor Bahru and set the stage for future international success.
Source: aninews
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