ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Captaincy falls upon Rohit in Hockey Junior World Cup
A shoulder injury will keep star striker Araljit Singh Hundal out of the Chennai Junior World Cup as India names its 20-member squad
-
Prabhjot Paul Singh - Sat, 15, Nov 2025
- 00:53 EST
- 14
The Indian Team / Hockey India
Star striker Araljit Singh Hundal will watch his teammates play in the FIH Hockey World Cup for Junior Men, as a shoulder injury will keep him out of action at this home-soil marquee event.
Hockey India named drag flicker Rohit as the captain of the 18-member squad that will have two additional reserve players.
This is the first time Tamil Nadu is hosting an FIH World Cup Tournament. To be organised both in Chennai and Madurai, the tournament, starting on November 28, will feature 24 teams.
ALSO READ: Tamil Nadu launches trophy tour, mascot for Junior Hockey World Cup
After Pakistan withdrew from the tournament, its place has been taken by Oman. The hosts, India, are clubbed with Chile, Switzerland, and Oman.
Besides drag flicker Rohit, who had a good show in the recent Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia, where India finished runners-up to Australia, has been named captain. Bikramjit Singh and Princedeep Singh are the goalkeepers picked, while the deep defence of the home team will be manned by skipper Rohit, along with experienced Amir Ali and Anmol Ekka. Talem Priyo Barta, Sunil Palakshappa Bennur, and Shardanand Tiwari.
India’s midfield will feature Ankit Pal, Adrohit Ekka, Thounaojam Ingalemba Luwang, Manmeet Singh, and Rosan Kujur, while the forward line will see Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Arshdeep Singh, Ajeet Yadav, Dilraj Singh, and Gurjot, who made his senior India debut at the Asian Champions Trophy last year in Hulunbuir, China. Ravneet Singh and Rohit Kullu have been named as alternate players.
Unfortunately, India will miss the experience and charisma of Araijeet Singh Hundal, who is nursing a shoulder injury and will miss the Junior World Cup.
Speaking about the team composition, Coach PR Sreejesh said, “We have selected a tried-and-tested team, with most of the players having a fair knowledge of what’s required to play in a tournament of this magnitude. While their physical capabilities, skill, and team play were among the criteria for selection, one of the key aspects we have looked into is their mental ability to perform under pressure.”
ALSO READ: Pakistan pulls out of Junior World Cup, FIH to name replacement
“While we have had good international match exposure in the build-up to the Junior World Cup, we have also played a lot of matches with the Senior India team, as we are housed on the same campus here in SAI, Bengaluru. This was a big part of our preparations, and when the players do well against their senior compatriots, they automatically gain confidence. Overall, we are on the upbeat side and looking forward to a good outing in front of the home crowd,” added the former star Indian goalkeeper.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login