Hockey India names Junior Men's Team for FIH Hockey Junior World Cup 2023

Hockey India announced the Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team for the upcoming FIH Hockey Junior World Cup 2023 on Tuesday. The tournament will take place from 5th December to 16th December in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Also Read: Hockey India names Indian team for FIH Women's Junior World Cup 2023

Forward Uttam Singh will lead Indian team in the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup 2023. Reigning Asian champions India have been placed in Pool C along with Canada, South Korea and Spain. India has to play its first match against Korea on December 5. India will play Spain on December 7 and Canada on December 9.

In the tournament's other pools, Pool A boasts defending Champions Argentina, along with Australia, Chile, and host nation Malaysia. Pool B includes Egypt, France, Germany, and South Africa. Pool D sets the stage for fierce competition with Belgium, Netherlands, New Zealand, and Pakistan vying for a quarter-final berth. The Quarter-Finalsof the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup 2023 are slated for 12 December, followed by the Semi-Finals on 14 December, with the grand Final taking place on 16 December. 

India had finished fourth in the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup last time and coach CR Kumar has said that this time his team is fully prepared.

The squad encompasses a talented array of players, including goalkeepers Mohith H S and Ranvijay Singh Yadav. Defenders Shardanand Tiwari, Amandeep Lakra, Rohit, Sunil JoJo, and Amir Ali have all earned their spots. The midfield is fortified by the presence of Vishnukant Singh, Poovanna C B, Rajinder Singh, Amandeep, and Aditya Singh. 

The forward line showcases the skills and talents of Uttam Singh, Aditya Lalage, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Sudeep Chirmako, and Boby Singh Dhami. Additionally, defender Sukhvinder and midfielder Sunit Lakra have been named as replacement players for this prestigious event. 

Coach CR Kumar, said, "As reigning Asian champions, the prospect of showcasing our skills on the global stage fills us with immense excitement. Our track record in previous Junior Men's tournaments, yielding positive results, has instilled confidence in our abilities to compete at a higher level." 

Also Read: 'We will give added emphasis to our circle entry': Amandeep Lakra regarding the preparations for the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup

FIH Hockey Junior World Cup 2023: Indian Men's Squad

Goalkeepers:

1. Mohith H S 

2. Ranvijay Singh Yadav

Defenders:

3. Shardanand Tiwari 

4. Amandeep Lakra 

5. Rohit 

6. Sunil JoJo 

7. Amir Ali 

Midfielders:

8. Vishnukant Singh  

9. Poovanna C B 

10. Rajinder Singh 

11. Amandeep 

12. Aditya Singh 

Forwards:

13. Uttam Singh (C)

14. Aditya Lalage 

15. Araijeet Singh Hundal (VC)

16. Sourabh Anand Kushwaha 

17. Sudeep Chirmako 

18. Boby Singh Dhami

Reserve Players:

19. Sukhvinder 

20. Sunit Lakra