Key Takeaways
- The Indian Junior Men’s Hockey squad aims to replicate its fourth Asia Cup title at the World Cup.
- Coach CR Kumar emphasizes intense training and upcoming Sultan of Johor Cup experience.
- India competes in Pool C with Spain, Korea and Canada, targeting a semifinal spot.
New Delhi: The much-anticipated FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Malaysia 2023 is just two months away and the preparations are in full swing for the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team as they look to lift the prestigious trophy.
The FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Malaysia 2023 will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from December 5 to 16. A total of 16 teams will be competing in the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Malaysia 2023.
The Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team qualified for the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Malaysia 2023 after defeating arch-rivals Pakistan 2-1 in the Final of the 2023 Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup, which was held in Salalah, Oman. India’s goals came from Angad Bir Singh and Araijeet Singh Hundal. This was India’s fourth title, having earlier won the tournament in 2004, 2008 and 2015, the Hockey India sources on Thursday said.
India are placed in Pool C with Spain, Korea and Canada.
Argentina, Australia, Chile and hosts Malaysia compete in Pool A, while Germany, France, South Africa and Egypt are in Pool B. Pool D comprises the Netherlands, Belgium, Pakistan and New Zealand.
The Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team will begin their campaign against Korea on 5 December, face Spain on 7 December, and lock horns with Canada on 9 December.
Talking about the preparations in the lead-up to the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Malaysia 2023, Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team coach CR Kumar, said, “The team is in great shape heading into the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Malaysia 2023. During our training sessions, we have identified areas of improvement and we are working on it.”
“We know we have some quality teams in our Pool, but the players see this as an opportunity to showcase how much they have grown as a team and individuals over the past few months. The team will also be playing in the upcoming 11th Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 and the experience of playing there will certainly help the players in improving their performance. We are ready to give our everything on the field and hope to go all the way,” Kumar added.
