India’s Junior Hockey Team Aims for Fifth Asia Cup Title in Muscat
India’s junior hockey team, led by defender Amir Ali, is gearing up for the upcoming Men’s Junior Asia Cup hockey tournament in Muscat, Oman, scheduled to commence on November 26, 2024. The team has a rich history in the tournament, having won it a record four times, including in 2004, 2008, 2015, and 2023.
The tournament will feature 10 teams from across the continent, divided into two pools. India has been placed in Pool A alongside Chinese Taipei, Japan, Korea, and Thailand. Pool B consists of Bangladesh, Malaysia, China, Oman, and Pakistan.
The tournament also serves as a qualifying event for next year’s FIH Junior World Cup, and India has already secured its berth as the host nation. However, the team is determined to build on its recent success at the Sultan of Johor Cup, where they displayed impressive form.
Rohit will serve as Amir Ali’s deputy in the tournament. Coach P.R. Sreejesh expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance at the Sultan of Johor Cup, stating, “The Sultan of Johor Cup was a first-time experience for many of the players, yet they showed great spirit in doing well, and I am quite pleased with how they performed.”
The team has been working hard at the ongoing national camp in SAI, Bengaluru, and has made certain changes to its game to enhance its defensive capabilities and goal-scoring efficiency.
Squad:
Goalkeepers:
* Princedeep Singh
* Bikramjit Singh
Defenders:
* Amir Ali (C)
* Talem Priyobarta
* Shardanand Tiwari
* Yogember Rawat
* Anmol Ekka
* Rohit (VC)
Midfielders:
* Ankit Pal
* Manmeet Singh
* Rosan Kujur
* Mukesh Toppo
* Thokchom Kingson Singh
Forwards:
* Gurjot Singh
* Sourabh Anand Kushwaha
* Dilraj Singh
* Arshdeep Singh
* Araijeet Singh Hundal
Alternate Players:
* Sukhvinder
* Chandan Yadav