In the latest episode of “Hockey Te Charcha,” a podcast series launched by Hockey India, Indian Junior Men’s Team Coach C R Kumar spoke about their preparations for the ongoing 11th Sultan Of Johor Cup 2023, as well as the upcoming FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2023.
The team is currently in Johor Bahru, giving their best at the 11th Sultan of Johor Cup 2023, which started on October 27 and ends on November 4. India has been placed in Pool B along with Malaysia, Pakistan, and New Zealand, while Pool A comprises Germany, Australia, South Africa, and Great Britain.
“These players are very fortunate that we stay with the Senior Men’s Team in SAI Bangalore. We have been getting opportunities to play friendly matches with them, so the boys have firsthand knowledge of the demands required to play at the highest level. The difference between the European teams and the Asian teams is that they employ tactical hockey and physicality, which we often experience with the Senior Men’s Team as well. That prepares our mindset for international standards, and we know how to deal with that now. The players have fine-tuned their minds,” C R Kumar shed light on the preparations, as per a press release from Hockey India.
The Indian Colts are in a perfect position to defend their title, coming into the tournament after winning the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023. They also performed admirably in the 4 Nations Tournament U21 Men in Germany recently.
Speaking on the growth of the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team, C R Kumar said, “Developing the junior team is always a long process, the target is the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2023 and the number of competitions worldwide that we can participate in are very few. So, we took it very seriously right from the beginning. We should perform well at the 11th Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 and that will take us towards the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2023 in high spirits. This is our target, and everybody is working with the same intention, and the unwavering focus every single day has made us a formidable side.”
The squad that has travelled to Malaysia under the tutelage of C R Kumar, is led by Captain Uttam Singh and Vice-Captain Rajinder Singh. When quizzed about the exclusion of a few players that featured in the last edition, he said, “We have a strong and experienced side that will feature in the 11th Sultan of Johor Cup 2023. The reason why we are leaving some players behind is that the World Cup is just 45 days away from today and peaking twice in a short period is very difficult, so we are leaving some of our experienced players behind. All the other players are in good shape, and we have a formidable squad that will take to the pitch in Malaysia.”
The Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team registered a thrilling draw in the opening game against Pakistan and recorded a 3-1 victory against hosts Malaysia on Saturday in the 11th Sultan of Johor Cup 2023.
