Archive · 14 Nov 2025
India's Junior Hockey Coach Emphasizes Future Olympic Dreams Over World Cup
India is getting ready for the Junior Hockey World Cup, and the coach, PR Sreejesh, has some big advice for his young players.
He told them to aim for the Olympics in 2028 and 2032, not just this tournament.
Sreejesh believes this Junior World Cup is a great place for them to practice and gain experience for their future careers.
However, he also wants them to try their best to win the cup, especially for the captain, Rohit, who is playing in his last junior tournament.
Sadly, a star player named Araijeet Singh Hundal has a shoulder injury and cannot play.
Sreejesh trusts that the rest of the team is strong enough to compete well.
The tournament will be held in Tamil Nadu, and India will play against Chile, Switzerland, and Oman.
Coach PR Sreejesh advised the Indian junior hockey team to focus on dreams of the 2028 and 2032 Olympics, beyond the upcoming Junior World Cup.
Sreejesh emphasized that the Junior World Cup is a crucial stepping stone for players to gain experience and prepare for senior international careers.
Captain Rohit, playing in his final Junior World Cup, is motivated to win the tournament, highlighting its importance for individual career milestones.
Striker Araijeet Singh Hundal has been ruled out of the tournament due to a shoulder injury.
The FIH Junior World Cup will be held in Chennai and Madurai, Tamil Nadu, from November 28 to December 10, 2025, with India in a group alongside Chile, Switzerland, and Oman.
- Who
- An 18-member Indian junior men's hockey team, coached by PR Sreejesh, with Rohit as captain.
- What
- Coach PR Sreejesh spoke about the team's approach to the upcoming FIH Junior World Cup, emphasizing future Olympic aspirations while also preparing them to win the current tournament. Striker Araijeet Singh Hundal was ruled out due to a shoulder injury.
- When
- November 28 to December 10, 2025 (tournament dates); Friday (announcement of World Cup squad and coach's remarks).
- Where
- Chennai and Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Why
- To compete in the FIH Junior World Cup, serving as a stepping stone for future careers, including the Olympics.
Coach's Advice
Player's Perspective
Importance of Junior World Cup vs. Future Olympics
Coach's Advice
Coach PR Sreejesh advises players to dream big about the 2028 Los Angeles and 2032 Brisbane Olympics, viewing the Junior World Cup as a stepping stone rather than the ultimate goal. He notes that many successful senior players did not play in a Junior World Cup.
Player's Perspective
Sreejesh also stresses the importance of winning the current tournament, especially for players like captain Rohit, for whom this is likely their last opportunity to compete in a Junior World Cup. Winning provides confidence and valuable experience.
Team's Potential Without Key Player
Coach's Advice
While acknowledging the significant absence of striker Araijeet Singh Hundal due to injury, Sreejesh believes the selected players are capable of performing well and hopes they will make him not miss Hundal.
Player's Perspective
Hundal, a striker and drag-flicker with senior team experience and a strong scoring record, is a notable absence. His injury is a blow to the team's attacking capabilities.
- Event
- FIH Junior World Cup 2025
- Host Cities
- Chennai and Madurai, Tamil Nadu
- Tournament Dates
- November 28 - December 10, 2025
- Indian Team Captain
- Rohit
- Junior Team Head Coach
- PR Sreejesh
- Team Size
- 18 players
- Notable Absences
- Araijeet Singh Hundal (shoulder injury)
- India's Group
- Chile, Switzerland, Oman
Sources
Rohit to lead 18-member Indian junior men”s team at World Cup
FIH Men’s Junior World Cup: Rohit named captain, no Araijeet Singh Hudal as India name squad for home tournament
India announce squad for FIH Men's Junior World Cup 2025 in Tamil Nadu
