Disha Tandon, Pune
The Indian hockey team will be given a thrilling task when 19-year-old Amir Ali will lead the junior men’s hockey side to the much-awaited Sultan of Johor Cup as captain with Rohit as vice-captain. The tournament will turn out to be a memorable experience for the lot as it would be the first assignment under new head coach PR Sreejesh of Indian hockey, who is to helm the side in Malaysia from October 19.
The 18-strong team announced on Tuesday under Hockey India would face some stern tests. Indian will start their journey on October 19 against Japan followed by the match on October 20 with Great Britain, on October 22 with the host Malaysia, on October 23 with Australia and on October 25 with New Zealand. There is a lot at stake since only the top two teams from this preliminary round would make their way to the final on October 26.
As with many of the other promising defenders, Amir Ali had some good recent opportunities to be seen when filling in for the senior team that successfully defended its title at the Asian Champions Trophy in Moqi, China. He replaced the injured Sanjay and did well both in display of resilience and talent. Forward Gurjot Singh is another member of the senior team, one who will add punch to the attack, besides highlighting the depth of experience among this young team.
“The Sultan of Johor Cup is a very important tournament in our calendar,” said Ali in a Hockey India release. He emphasized that this event is a crucial preparation platform ahead of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup scheduled in November 2024 in Muscat. Matches next month will be crucial for the boys to assess themselves and better their potential on an international platform.
Rohit, vice-captain, was over the moon about being coached by Sreejesh. “He is an Indian hockey legend,” he said. Rohit insisted that the eagerness of the team to deliver was to pay its coach back in such a debut tournament under him. “The mood in the camp has been excellent, and we want to capitalize on this by showcasing our potential at the Sultan of Johor Cup,” he said, reflecting the very atmosphere and team spirit.
There is Bikramjit Singh and Ali Khan in goal, an aggressive defense line-up fronted by Amir Ali, the captain, Talem Priyobarta, and Shardanand Tiwari, along with midfield and forward players like Ankit Pal and Gurjot Singh. And the blend of youths with experience is added, which would prove to be a vital factor in the performance of the team throughout the tournament.
The youngsters are carrying the hopes of a whole nation, as the team has been preparing for the crucial opening game against Japan. The Sultan of Johor Cup, not just provides an opportunity for the title but also offers a vital stepping stone for athletes who want to find their moment in the upcoming Men’s Junior Asia Cup.
With the tournament just around the corner, all eyes would be on Amir Ali and his team to make an impact in the international hockey scene for the future of Indian hockey.