New Delhi, Nov 14 – Indian men’s hockey is gearing up for the 2025 FIH Men’s Junior World Cup, which will take place in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10.
Defender and drag‑flick star Rohit Kullu will lead the squad. Rohit impressed at the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia, where India earned a silver medal. He will now head a team that has been selected for a mix of experience and fresh talent.
India will miss the seasoned Araijeet Singh Hundal, who is recovering from a shoulder injury and will not travel to the tournament.
Coach Sreejesh explained the selection approach: “We chose players who know what it takes to win big games.” The coaching team looked at physical strength, skill and especially mental toughness. “Playing against the senior India team gives us great training, because we share the same campus in SAI, Bengaluru,” Sreejesh added. “When young players outperform senior teammates, confidence follows.”
The Haiku roster is balanced at the back, midfield and forward lines. Goal‑keepers Bikramjit Singh and Princedeep Singh guard the net. On the flanks, captain Rohit, Talem Priyobarta, Anmol Ekka and Amir Ali bring solid defending, while Sunil Bennur and Shardanand Tiwari add veteran presence.
The midfield group of Ankit Pal, Thounaojam Ingalemba Luwang, Adrohit Ekka, Rosan Kujur, Manmeet Singh and Gurjot Singh will drive the play forward. The striking trio of Arshdeep Singh, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Ajeet Yadav, Dilraj Singh and Gurjot will look to score in front of the home crowd.
India plays in Pool B, facing Chile, Switzerland and Oman – the replacement for the withdrawn Pakistan side.
Alternates Ravneet Singh and Rohit Kullu stay ready if needed.
Squad snapshot
- Goalkeepers: Bikramjit Singh, Princedeep Singh
- Defenders: Rohit Kullu, Talem Priyobarta, Anmol Ekka, Amir Ali, Sunil Bennur, Shardanand Tiwari
- Midfielders: Ankit Pal, Thounaojam Ingalemba Luwang, Adrohit Ekka, Rosan Kujur, Manmeet Singh, Gurjot Singh
- Forwards: Arshdeep Singh, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Ajeet Yadav, Dilraj Singh
- Reserves: Ravneet Singh, Rohit Kullu
India aims to build momentum ahead of the World Cup and hopes to surprise fans with a strong performance on home soil.
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