Johor (Malaysia), Oct 18 – P.R. Sreejesh, the two-time Olympic medal-winning stalwart, is set for his first major challenge as the head coach of India’s junior men’s hockey team. The under-21 squad will kick off their campaign at the 12th Sultan of Johor Cup with a match against Japan on Saturday, aiming for their fourth title.
The 36-year-old former goalkeeper took charge of the junior team following his retirement after winning bronze at the Paris Olympics earlier this year. India holds a strong record against Japan, having triumphed 3-1 in their last encounter at the Junior Asia Cup in May last year and defeating them 5-1 in the 2022 Sultan of Johor Cup.
“The team has been training well under Coach P.R. Sreejesh, and we’re excited to play our first tournament with him,” said captain Amir Ali in a statement. “After losing to Germany last time, we were unable to retain our crown, but this time we are better equipped and ready to take on any team in the competition.”
India, who previously clinched the title in 2013, 2014, and 2022, will face Britain on Sunday. They are also four-time runners-up in the tournament. After a day off, the Indian team will take on hosts Malaysia on October 22 and Australia on October 23. They will conclude the group stage against New Zealand on October 25, aiming to secure a top-two finish to advance to the final on October 26.
“We have been training hard over the past few days to be in the best shape for the Sultan of Johor Cup,” said vice-captain Rohit. “This time around, the team has several new players eager to showcase their abilities on the field. Everyone is supporting one another to improve in preparation for a busy schedule ahead, which includes the men’s junior Asia Cup in Muscat in November.”
After the Paris campaign, Sreejesh expressed his long-held coaching ambitions, stating he aims to be the Rahul Dravid of Indian hockey by shaping the next generation of players. Dravid, before taking on the senior team coaching role, mentored the under-19 players for a significant period.
