The Sultan of Johor Cup 2024 is set to kick off on October 19, marking the start of an exciting U-21 men’s hockey tournament held annually in Malaysia. This year, six teams will battle it out for the prestigious title, with Team India eyeing their fourth championship. Led by captain Amir Ali, India will look to build on their strong tournament history and add another victory to their name. Notably, legendary Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh will make his coaching debut during this edition of the Sultan of Johor Cup, adding extra significance to the event for Indian fans.
A Crucial Tournament for Teams
The Sultan of Johor Cup 2024 serves as an essential preparation ground for many teams, especially for Malaysia, which is getting ready for the Asian Junior Cup in Oman in November. The tournament will help the Malaysian team gear up for this key event, which is also a qualification pathway for the Junior World Cup to be held in India next year. Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal, President of the Malaysia Hockey Confederation, emphasized the importance of the Sultan of Johor Cup as a critical stage for developing young talent.
India’s Strong History at the Sultan of Johor Cup
Since its beginning in 2011, the Sultan of Johor Cup has seen teams from around the world compete for the title, with India being one of the most successful nations in the tournament’s history. India has claimed the Sultan of Johor Cup title three times—in 2013, 2014, and 2022— and holds the record for the most appearances in the final, with seven trips to the championship game. The team finished third in the last edition after a thrilling shootout win against Pakistan. They’ll be looking to go further this year, aiming for another top finish.
Teams and Format for Sultan of Johor Cup 2024
Six teams will participate in the Sultan of Johor Cup 2024: India, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, and Great Britain. The tournament will follow a round-robin format, where all teams will play each other once. The top two teams at the end of the group stage will compete in the final, while the third and fourth-ranked teams will face off for the bronze medal. The teams finishing in fifth and sixth places will also play a classification match.
India’s Schedule at Sultan of Johor Cup 2024
India’s fixtures for the group stage of the Sultan of Johor Cup 2024 are listed below. Fans can follow the action live via streaming, as matches will be broadcast on Ashley Morrison Media’s YouTube channel.
| Date | Time (IST) | Match |
|---|---|---|
| October 19 (Saturday) | 01:35 PM | India 4-2 Japan |
| October 20 (Sunday) | 01:35 PM | India 6-4 Great Britain |
| October 22 (Tuesday) | 06:05 PM | India 4-2 Malaysia |
| October 23 (Wednesday) | 03:45 PM | Australia 4-0 India |
| October 25 (Friday) | 01:35 PM | India vs New Zealand |
| October 26 (Saturday) | 06:05 PM | Final or Classification Matches |
As the Sultan of Johor Cup 2024 progresses, Indian hockey fans will be eagerly watching to see if Amir Ali and his team can secure a historic fourth title. With PR Sreejesh guiding them from the sidelines, this edition promises to be a thrilling chapter in the tournament’s history.
Also Read: Women’s Hockey India League 2024-25: Full Squads Revealed for First Season
