Men's Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024: India eyes third consecutive title
India aims for a hattrick of titles at the Men's Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024 in Muscat, Oman, starting November 26.
Junior Men's Hockey team in training (Photo credit: Hockey India)
The Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024 is set to take place in Muscat, Oman, from November 26 to December 4, with India aiming to secure a hattrick of titles.
The tournament, a qualifier for the FIH Junior Hockey Men’s World Cup 2025, features ten teams split into two pools.
India, the defending champions, are placed in Pool A alongside Chinese Taipei, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand.
Pool B includes traditional rivals Pakistan, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Oman, and the People’s Republic of China.
Led by defender Amir Ali, the Indian team looks strong, boasting talents like vice-captain Rohit and forward Gurjot Singh, who have already proven their mettle in senior tournaments.
India has previously won the Junior Asia Cup four times (2004, 2008, 2015, and 2023), making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
Tournament Format
The group stage will see teams competing within their respective pools, with the top two from each pool advancing to the semi-finals.
Teams finishing third and fourth will play classification matches, while the fifth-placed teams from each pool will contest for ninth position.
The semi-finals are scheduled for December 3, followed by the final and third-place match on December 4.
As hosts of the FIH Junior World Cup 2025, India has already qualified for the event.
If India finishes in the top six at the Junior Asia Cup, the seventh-placed team will secure a World Cup berth.
India’s Schedule (IST)
November 27: India vs Thailand – 6:15 PM
November 28: Japan vs India – 8:30 PM
November 30: India vs Chinese Taipei – 6:15 PM
December 1: South Korea vs India – 8:30 PM
December 3: Semi-finals (if qualified) – 6:00 PM onwards
December 4: Final (if qualified) – 8:30 PM
Where to Watch
Live streaming of the Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024 will be available on the Hockey India Media YouTube Channel.
No TV broadcast has been confirmed for India.
India’s Squad
Goalkeepers: Princedeep Singh, Bikramjit Singh
Defenders: Amir Ali (captain), Talem Priyobarta, Shardanand Tiwari, Yogember Rawat, Anmol Ekka, Rohit (vice-captain)
Midfielders: Ankit Pal, Manmeet Singh, Rosan Kujur, Mukesh Toppo, Thokchom Kingson Singh
Forwards: Gurjot Singh, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Dilraj Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Araijeet Singh HundalReserves: Sukhvinder, Chandan Yadav
With a mix of experienced players and young talents, India is poised to put up a strong fight for their fifth Junior Asia Cup title.
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