Defender-Dragflicker Rohit Named Captain; Araijeet Singh Hundal to Miss Junior World Cup Due to Shoulder Injury
New Delhi, 14th November 2025: Hockey India on Friday announced the 20-member Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team for the much-awaited FIH Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025, scheduled from 28th November to 10th December 2025 in Chennai and Madurai.
The Indian team, coached by legendary former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, has been placed in Pool B alongside Chile, Switzerland and Oman, who enter the tournament as replacements for Pakistan.
The India Colts will be led by defender and dragflicker Rohit, who impressed in the recent Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia where India clinched the silver medal. Goalkeepers Bikramjit Singh and Princedeep Singh have been selected, while the defensive unit features captain Rohit, the experienced Amir Ali—a member of the previous Junior World Cup squad—along with Anmol Ekka, Ravneet Singh, Talem Priyobarta, Sunil Palakshappa Bennur and Shardanand Tiwari.
India’s midfield will comprise Ankit Pal, Rohit Kullu, Adrohit Ekka, Thounaojam Ingalemba Luwang, Manmeet Singh and Rosan Kujur. The forwardline includes Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Arshdeep Singh, Ajeet Yadav, Dilraj Singh and Gurjot Singh, who made his Senior India debut at the Asian Champions Trophy in Hulunbuir, China.
However, India will miss the experience and presence of star striker Araijeet Singh Hundal, who is recovering from a shoulder injury and will not participate in the Junior World Cup.
Speaking about the squad, Coach PR Sreejesh said, “We have selected a tried-and-tested team with most players having a good understanding of what it takes to compete at this level. Along with their physical ability, skills and team play, we also evaluated their mental toughness to perform under pressure.”
He added, “Our preparations have been strong. Apart from international exposure, we have regularly played matches against the Senior India team as we train at the same SAI Bengaluru campus. Performing well against seniors boosts confidence. We are an upbeat side and look forward to performing well in front of the home crowd.”
| Sl. No. | Names |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bikramjit Singh |
| 2 | Princedeep Singh |
| DEFENDERS | |
| 3 | Rohit |
| 4 | Talem Priyobarta |
| 5 | Anmol Ekka |
| 6 | Amir Ali |
| 7 | Sunil Palakshappa Bennur |
| 8 | Shardanand Tiwari |
| MIDFIELDERS | |
| 9 | Ankit Pal |
| 10 | Thounaojam Ingalemba Luwang |
| 11 | Adrohit Ekka |
| 12 | Rosan Kujur |
| 13 | Manmeet Singh |
| 14 | Gurjot Singh |
| FORWARDS | |
| 15 | Arshdeep Singh |
| 16 | Sourabh Anand Kushwaha |
| 17 | AjeetYadav |
| 18 | Dilraj Singh |
| AP ATHLETES | |
| 19 | Ravneet Singh |
| 20 | Rohit Kullu |