New Delhi: Hockey India officially unveiled the 18-member squad for the upcoming Sultan of Johor Cup, with defender Rohit named as the captain. The team is set to compete in Malaysia, aiming to build on their bronze medal win from the previous edition of the tournament. The announcement, made on Monday, marks a significant step in the team’s preparations for the upcoming Junior World Cup.
The squad features a blend of talent across all positions, with Bikramjit Singh and Princedeep Singh holding down the fort as goalkeepers. The defensive line is anchored by captain Rohit, alongside Talem Priyobarta, Anmol Ekka, Amir Ali, Sunil P B, and Ravneet Singh.
The midfield will be driven by Ankit Pal, Thounaojam Ingalemba Luwang, Adrohit Ekka, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Rosan Kujur, and Manmeet Singh. The forward line, responsible for spearheading the attack, includes Arshdeep Singh, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Ajeet Yadav, and Gurjot Singh.
The team is coached by the esteemed P.R. Sreejesh, who expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness. “The team has been preparing well for the Sultan of Johor Cup,” Sreejesh stated. “We have a good team, and with the Junior World Cup coming up, this tournament will be a good platform and rehearsal for the players to test themselves against strong opponents and gain valuable international experience. We are looking forward to putting up a good performance in Malaysia.”
India’s campaign will kick off on October 11 against Great Britain, followed by a match against New Zealand on October 12. The team will then face arch-rivals Pakistan on October 14, followed by a clash with Australia on October 15, and will conclude the round-robin stage against the host nation, Malaysia, on October 17. The final will be held on October 18, contested by the top two teams in the standings.
Full Squad List:
- 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
- Standby Players: Vivek Lakra, Shardanand Tiwari, Thockchom Kingson Singh, Rohit Kullu, Dilraj Singh.