New Delhi
Hockey India has revealed a 20-member team led by Amir Ali for the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2024 on Monday. The tournament will take place in Muscat, Oman, from November 26 to December 4. This event is a qualifier for the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup 2025.
India, a four-time champion in the tournament (2004, 2008, 2015, and 2023), is set to defend its title. Last year, the team clinched victory by defeating Pakistan 2-1 in the final. This year, India is grouped in Pool A with Chinese Taipei, Japan, Korea, and Thailand, while Pool B includes Bangladesh, Malaysia, China, Oman, and Pakistan.
Although India has already secured a World Cup spot as the host nation, coach PR Sreejesh’s team aims to maintain their winning streak. The squad is riding high on their podium finish at the Sultan of Johor Cup.
Captain Amir Ali will lead the defense, with Rohit as his deputy. The squad also features goalkeepers Princedeep Singh and Bikramjit Singh. Midfielders like Ankit Pal and Manmeet Singh, and forwards including Gurjot Singh and Araijeet Singh Hundal, complete the lineup. Alternate players Sukhvinder and Chandan Yadav are on standby.
Coach Sreejesh praised the team’s performance at the Sultan of Johor Cup and emphasized their improvements in defense and goal conversion during their training camp in Bengaluru. He expressed confidence in the players’ hard work and preparation for the Junior Asia Cup.
