Get ready for some intense hockey action as the Indian junior men’s hockey team embarks on its 12th Sultan of Johor Cup campaign! The tournament kicks off on October 19th in Johor, Malaysia, and India is determined to make a strong impression. The team will face off against tough competitors including the hosts Malaysia, Japan, Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand, all vying for the coveted championship title. The final match is scheduled for October 26th, promising a nail-biting finish.
This year, the team is under the leadership of new head coach PR Sreejesh, who has appointed the experienced Amir Ali as captain and Rohit as vice-captain. With a blend of seasoned players and promising newcomers, the team is eager to showcase their skills on the international stage.
For fans unable to be there in person, the Sultan of Johor Cup 2024 will be live-streamed on YouTube, providing a global platform for the exciting matches. While the tournament won’t be broadcast on any Indian TV channels, fans can catch all the action online.
India’s journey begins with a match against Japan on October 19th. They then face Great Britain on October 20th. Following a day of rest, India will take on the hosts, Malaysia, on October 22nd and then Australia on October 23rd. The last group stage match against New Zealand is scheduled for October 25th.
The Indian team is aiming to finish in the top two of their pool, securing a spot in the final match on October 26th. The squad is brimming with confidence, having defeated Japan in the Men’s Junior Asia Cup in May 2023 and the 2022 Sultan of Johor Cup.
“The team has been training diligently under the new head coach PR Sreejesh, and we’re thrilled to compete in our first tournament with him,” expressed captain Amir Ali, highlighting the team’s preparedness. “After missing out on retaining our crown in the last tournament, we are more determined than ever to take on any challenge and come out on top.”
Vice-captain Rohit echoed this sentiment, adding, “We’ve been pushing ourselves during training to be in peak condition for the Sultan of Johor Cup. We have several new players this year, who are eager to showcase their talent. The whole team is encouraging each other to strive for excellence, preparing for a busy season that includes the Men’s Junior Asia Cup Muscat 2024 in November.”
The Indian junior men’s hockey team is a force to be reckoned with, and their journey at the Sultan of Johor Cup 2024 is sure to be filled with thrilling matches and exciting moments. Let’s cheer them on as they fight for victory!
Here’s a look at the team’s schedule:
Saturday, October 19th – India vs Japan: 1:35 pm
Sunday, October 20th – India vs Great Britain: 1:35 pm
Tuesday, October 22nd – India vs Malaysia: 6:05 pm
Wednesday, October 23rd – India vs Australia: 3:45 pm
Friday, October 25th – India vs New Zealand: 1:35 pm
Saturday, October 26th – Fifth-place and sixth-place match: 1:05 pm
Third-place match: 3:35 pm
Final: 6:05 pm
Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team:
Goalkeepers:
1. Bikramjit Singh
2. Ali Khan
Defenders:
3. Amir Ali (C)
4. Talem Priyobarta
5. Shardanand Tiwari
6. Sukhvinder
7. Anmol Ekka
8. Rohit (VC)
Midfielders:
9. Ankit Pal
10. Manmeet Singh
11. Rosan Kujur
12. Mukesh Toppo
13. Chandan Yadav
Forwards:
14. Gurjot Singh
15. Sourabh Anand Kushwaha
16. Dilraj Singh
17. Arshdeep Singh
18. Mohd. Konain Dad