All posts tagged: india junior hockey team

What makes midfielder Manmeet Singh one for the future | Hockey News

What makes midfielder Manmeet Singh one for the future | Hockey News

It’s a drill, Manmeet Singh says, that he and defender Priyobarta Talen have repeatedly practised in training. But to execute it on the FIH Junior World Cup takes a lot of skill. So when Talem started winding himself up for a drilled ground pass from the left channel into the circle, Manmeet took the cue and created a yard of space for himself. As the ball sped to him, all he had to do was sweep it behind him across the goal. The Swiss goalkeeper, who was proving tough to beat, was breached in a flash. “Woh na, bas ek moment mein ho jaata hain. I had done the pre-scanning and knew what to do,” Manmeet, who celebrated his birthday with two goals in India’s 5-0 win in Madurai on Tuesday, tells The Indian Express. “We do this a lot in training, where the attacking midfielder will lead into space, and the forward will take up a spot in the circle and then take a first-touch shot on goal. Priyobarta and I have done this …

India aim to end nine-year wait for the title

India aim to end nine-year wait for the title

The FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 gets underway on 28 November, and hosts India enter the tournament with momentum, belief and the advantage of playing in front of home crowds in Chennai and Madurai. After finishing fourth in Kuala Lumpur in 2023 and last winning the crown in 2016, the Indian Colts will be eager to script another memorable campaign on home soil. India, led by captain Rohit, will open their Pool B campaign against Chile, a side they haven’t faced in recent years at a major FIH event. While the visitors are ranked 18th in the world and considered underdogs, India are wary of early nerves and will look to settle quickly in front of a packed Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium. India’s remaining group matches will be against Oman (29 November, Chennai) and Switzerland (2 December, Madurai). A tournament that shapes future stars The Junior World Cup has historically been the launching pad for several players who eventually became household names. India’s triumph in 2016 produced stalwarts like Harmanpreet Singh, Sumit, …

Eye on Junior Hockey World Cup, Sreejesh plots to blend Indian flair with tactical adaptability | Hockey News

Eye on Junior Hockey World Cup, Sreejesh plots to blend Indian flair with tactical adaptability | Hockey News

As a player, PR Sreejesh never stopped smiling, and shouting instructions at his teammates on the field. Now as the junior India coach, he is as animated from the sidelines and remains fun-loving. But for the goalkeeping great, the challenge is to maintain a balance. “I am strict with them. This age of 18, 19 and 20 is very dangerous. They are like a monkey mind and keep jumping here and there,” Sreejesh chuckles. “Sometimes, they are not bothered about what is required and will focus more on shopping or going out rather than resting. So, when the session happens, I demand their best. They can come and ask me anything. I show them the fun side also but when it comes to hockey, I am serious.” Sreejesh was talking to The Indian Express on the sidelines of the centenary celebrations of Indian Hockey. Story continues below this ad Coaching is his passion After an illustrious career of close to two decades, Sreejesh finished his playing career last year after winning the bronze medal at …