Hockey India has unveiled the 20-member Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team that will compete in the 11th Sultan of Johor Cup 2023, scheduled to take place from October 27 to November 4 in Johor, Malaysia.
This edition of the Sultan of Johor Cup will feature eight teams, a departure from the traditional six-team format of previous editions.
India has been placed in Pool B, alongside Malaysia, Pakistan, and New Zealand. Pool A comprises Germany, Australia, South Africa, and Great Britain. Captain Uttam Singh will receive support from Vice-Captain Rajinder Singh as they aim to guide India to a top-two finish in Pool B and secure a spot in the semifinals.
CR Kumar, the Coach of the Indian Men’s Junior Hockey Team, expressed his thoughts on the upcoming tournament, saying, “The selection committee has considered previous tournaments to form a well-balanced team for the 11th Sultan of Johor Cup 2023. We aim to encourage and provide opportunities to players who possess the skills to outperform their opponents, particularly by playing penetrative passes between lines. Additionally, this tournament serves as an opportunity to assess and gain insights into the six nations that will participate in the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2023, taking place in Kuala Lumpur in December. It will help us adapt to similar climate conditions.”
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The goalkeeping duties will be entrusted to the reliable duo of Mohith H S and Ranvijay Singh Yadav. The defensive lineup for the tournament includes Amandeep Lakra, Rohit, Sunil Jojo, Sukhvinder, Amir Ali, and Yogember Rawat.
In the midfield, dynamic players such as Poovanna C B, Vishnukant Singh, Rajinder Singh, Amandeep, Sunit Lakra, and Abdul Ahad will be in action. The forward department boasts the talents of Uttam Singh, Arun Sahani, Aditya Lalage, Angad Bir Singh, Gurjot Singh, and Sathish B.
Captain Uttam Singh expressed his intentions for the 11th Sultan of Johor Cup 2023, stating, “The entire team has put in a tremendous effort in training, and those who were not part of the squad last time have stepped up their performances, elevating the overall level of the team. The 11th Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 holds significant importance in our preparations for the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2023, and we are eager to defend our title.”
