Chennai, Tamil Nadu – As the FIH Men's Junior Hockey World Cup 2025 approaches, set to be held in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10, the captain of the Indian junior hockey team, Rohit, has made a passionate appeal to fans for their unwavering support. With the tournament on home soil, the young Colts are aiming for nothing less than the title, and Rohit believes the energy and encouragement from the stands will be a crucial factor in their quest.
"We've been practicing a lot, and we are prepared," the skipper said, exuding confidence in his team's abilities. The team is placed in Pool B alongside Chile, Switzerland, and Oman. Oman was named as a replacement for Pakistan in the pool.
The Junior World Cup holds particular significance as legendary goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh will be coaching the team. Sreejesh, despite an illustrious career with Olympic medals, has never won a World Cup at the junior or senior level. He sees this tournament as an opportunity to fulfill that long-held ambition, albeit from the sidelines. "Use the fans (and expectations) as your 12th man," he said, encouraging his team to embrace the tournament as a stepping stone in their journey, rather than an overwhelming challenge.
Hockey India announced the 18-member squad on Friday, with Rohit, a drag-flicker, named as the captain. The team is a blend of experienced players and fresh talent, all eager to make their mark on the world stage. Sreejesh has emphasized the importance of mental fortitude, alongside physical capabilities and teamwork, in selecting the squad. He believes that the team has been tried and tested, possessing the knowledge required to compete at this level.
The team, however, will miss the experience of Araijeet Singh Hundal, who is currently recovering from a shoulder injury. Despite this setback, the team remains optimistic, buoyed by their silver medal win at the recent Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia. Furthermore, the team has had the opportunity to train and play matches against the senior Indian team at the SAI campus in Bengaluru, which Sreejesh believes has been invaluable in boosting their confidence and preparation.
The launch of the Tamil Nadu Trophy Tour and the unveiling of 'Kangeyan' as the official mascot have further amplified the excitement surrounding the World Cup. These initiatives aim to engage fans and promote the sport at the grassroots level, ensuring a vibrant and supportive atmosphere throughout the tournament.
As the host nation, India will be looking to capitalize on home advantage and the fervent support of their fans. Skipper Rohit's call to action serves as a reminder of the crucial role fans play in inspiring and motivating the team. The young Colts are ready, the stage is set, and the nation eagerly awaits what promises to be a thrilling and memorable FIH Men's Junior Hockey World Cup in Tamil Nadu.
