The Indian junior men’s hockey team concluded 2025 on a high note, earning two major international medals and preparing extensively for the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 in December.
Foundation of Preparation
The campaign was laid out through a series of intensive national training camps conducted throughout the year under the guidance of PR Sreejesh. These camps were essential in building a robust squad and preparing the players to be at their best as the season advanced toward the Junior World Cup in December.
Competitive Build-Up
India’s competitive build-up began with the Four Nations Tournament in June, serving as a vital preparatory assignment against strong European opposition. Competing against hosts Germany, Spain, and Australia, the Indian junior side tested their systems against heavyweights and finished the tournament in third place. They secured a key 2-1 victory over Australia in the 3rd/4th place match, providing valuable match exposure and clarity on combinations as the team continued its World Cup preparations.
Sultan of Johor Cup Success
The momentum carried into the 2025 Sultan of Johor Cup in October, where India showcased a strong and consistent performance, claiming the Silver Medal. The team registered important victories over Great Britain, New Zealand, and Malaysia, drew 3-3 with Pakistan, and progressed to the final after a composed league-stage performance. In the title clash, India conceded an unfortunate goal in the 59th minute, ultimately losing 1-2 to Australia.
Memorable World Cup Campaign
All the preparation led to the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025, the most crucial assignment of the season. India kicked off their campaign with three comfortable wins in the pool stage against Chile, Oman, and Switzerland, advancing into the knockout rounds.
The quarter-final proved to be a defining moment, as the Indian team held their nerve and defeated Belgium 4-3 in a shootout, securing a place in the semi-finals. Goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh displayed incredible class and valor, making two crucial saves in the shootout to ensure India progressed. Unfortunately, they lost 1-5 in the semi-final against champions Germany but showed resilience in the 3rd/4th place playoff, pulling off an incredible comeback against Argentina. Despite being two goals down by the fourth quarter, India rallied to score four consecutive goals and clinched the bronze medal.
Top Performers
Manmeet Singh emerged as India’s highest goalscorer with six goals, while Shardanand Tiwari and Dilraj Singh contributed five goals each.
As the year progressed, the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team visibly evolved into a settled and confident unit, with several players stepping up in critical moments. Captain Rohit transformed into a commanding leader while sharpening his drag-flicking skills, which proved vital in important matches. In attack, Dilraj Singh and Arshdeep Singh consistently found the scoring form, giving India an edge in the forward line. Defensively, Prince Deep Singh matured into a dependable presence, delivering composed performances in high-pressure situations. Anmol Ekka emerged as the linchpin of the side, linking defense to attack from midfield.
With a Bronze Medal at the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 and a Silver at the 2025 Sultan of Johor Cup, the season not only yielded results but also laid a solid foundation for the future of Indian hockey under Hockey India’s vision.