Experienced drag-flicker Araijeet Singh Hundal will captain India's 24-member junior men's hockey team in the four-nation tournament commencing in Berlin on June 21st.
Sports News: The Indian junior men's hockey team is once again poised to prove itself on the international stage. Hockey India has announced a 24-member squad for the prestigious four-nation international tournament in Germany. The team will be captained by drag-flick specialist and Junior Asia Cup winner, Araijeet Singh Hundal. Defender Amir Ali will serve as the vice-captain.
This tournament will be held in Berlin, Germany, from June 21st to June 25th, 2025. Besides India, the participating teams include the host nation Germany, Spain, and Australia. This event is considered crucial preparation for the upcoming Junior Men's Hockey World Cup (scheduled for Chennai and Madurai this year).
Captain Hundal: A Blend of Experience and Aggression
Captain Araijeet Singh Hundal is not a new name in Indian junior hockey. He was part of the Indian team that won the Asia Cup in 2023 and is known for his swift drag-flicks and aggressive leadership. Hundal's b performance with the Indian senior team in the FIH Pro League 2023-24 further solidified his selection for this role.
Vice-captain Amir Ali will anchor the team's defense. He is renowned not only for his b tackling but also for his leadership qualities among the younger players.
Team Structure: A Confluence of Balance and Potential
Bikramjeet Singh and Vivek Lakra will guard the team's goalpost. Both have impressed selectors with their excellent performance in recent camps. The defensive line includes Amir Ali along with young and technically skilled players like Tallem Priobarta, Shardananad Tiwari, Sunil PB, Anmol Ekka, Rohit, Ravneet Singh, and Sukhwinder.
The midfield and forward lines also feature several emerging stars who have performed well in recent domestic tournaments. However, the team's complete midfield and attacking formations have not yet been publicly revealed.
Hockey India has kept four players on standby for this tour—Adarsh G (goalkeeper), Prashant Barla (defender), Chandan Yadav (midfielder), and Mohammed Konen Dad (forward). These players will not travel with the team but will be available if needed.
Tournament Format: From Round Robin to Finals
All four teams will play each other in a round-robin format. The top two teams in the points table will then clash in the final, while a playoff match will determine the third-place winner between the teams finishing third and fourth.
The Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team is as follows:
- Goalkeepers: Bikramjeet Singh, Vivek Lakra.
- Defenders: Amir Ali, Tallem Priobarta, Shardananad Tiwari, Sunil PB, Anmol Ekka, Rohit, Ravneet Singh, Sukhwinder.
- Midfielders: Ankit Pal, Manmeet Singh, Roshan Kujur, Rohit Kullu, Thokchom Kingson Singh, Thounaojam Inglembam Luwang, Adrohit Ekka, Jitpal.
- Forwards: Araijeet Singh Hundal (Captain), Gurjot Singh, Saurabh Anand Kushwah, Dilraj Singh, Arshdeep Singh, and Ajit Yadav.
