INDIAN JUNIOR HOCKEY TEAM READY FOR SULTAN OF JOHAR CUP

The Indian team, which finished its 2019 campaign with a silver medal after a hard-fought match against Great Britain, will compete in this year's tournament, which will also feature hosts Malaysia, Australia, Japan, South Africa, and Great Britain, the defending champions. The tournament was postponed for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Uttam, who participated in India's 2021 Junior World Cup campaign at home and made his senior team debut at the Asia Cup 2022 hosted in Jakarta earlier this year, will serve as the captain of the India colts.

India's Johor Cup squad includes 

Goalkeepers: Mohith HS, Ankit Malik Defenders: Amir Ali, Shardanand Tiwari, Rohit, Amandeep Lakra, Cyril Lugun

Midfielders: Vishnukant Singh, Rajinder Singh, Ankit Pal, Poovanna CB, Amandeep, Johnson Purthy

Forwards: Uttam Singh (Captain), Angad Bir Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Boby Singh Dhami (Vice Captain), Sudeep Chirmako

Coach C. R. Kumar commented on the squad's preparation, saying, "We have a well-balanced squad with approximately seven players who were part of the 2021 Junior World Cup team and some of them have also had a stint with the senior men's team."This is an important and very prestigious tournament in the junior hockey calendar and we are quite excited to begin our campaign against hosts Malaysia," he added.

India's campaign will get out on October 1 against the hosts Malaysia, with games against South Africa on October 23, Japan on October 25, Australia (on October 26), and Great Britain following (October 28).

On October 29, the round-robin league's top two clubs will advance to the championship game.