The Indian team will test its strength in the Johor Cup before the Junior World Cup, Coach Sreejesh said, "This is a big stage for us."

The Indian junior team is aiming for a strong performance in the Sultan Johor Cup hockey tournament, which begins on Saturday in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. This tournament is considered crucial for India as it aims to finalize its preparations for the Junior World Cup, to be held in Chennai and Madurai from November 28th. India's first match will be against Great Britain on Saturday.

New energy under Sreejesh's coaching

The Indian team is currently playing under the coaching of the country's experienced goalkeeper and two-time Olympic bronze medalist, P.R. Sreejesh. Sreejesh believes this tournament is a great opportunity for young players to prove themselves at the international level. He said, "The Sultan Johor Cup has always been a special tournament for us. Many players in our current senior team first made their mark here." Sreejesh said that this platform will give the players the experience of playing against the world's best juniors and help them understand what it takes to consistently perform at the top level.

Strategy: Focus on Aggressive and Creative Hockey

Speaking about the team's strategy, Sreejesh said that their priority will be creativity, discipline, and aggression. He explained, "We respect every opponent, but our focus is on playing our own kind of bold and aggressive hockey. The team understands India's hockey heritage and is committed to preserving it."

India's Illustrious History and Match Schedule

India is the second most successful team in the history of the Sultan of Johor Cup, having won the title three times (2013, 2014, and 2022). Only Great Britain, with four titles, surpasses them. This season, India will face Great Britain in its opening match, followed by New Zealand (October 12), Pakistan (October 14), Australia (October 15), and host Malaysia (October 17). After the round-robin stage, the top two teams will play the final on October 18.

A key milestone in World Cup preparations

The Sultan of Johor Cup will not only provide a competitive test but also give this young Indian team the confidence it needs ahead of the Junior World Cup. "This tournament is a perfect test for us before the Junior World Cup. We will have a chance to learn and improve a lot here," Sreejesh said.