Junior Hockey World Cup 2025: Birendra Lakra looks to inspire next generation as tactical voice in India camp
India stormed through its first two FIH Hockey Junior World Cup 2025 matches in Chennai, scoring 24 goals — against Chile and Oman — without letting in a single one.
The emphatic 17-0 victory over Oman created a buzz, suggesting the Indian Colts had already secured a spot in the knockouts.
However, for India’s assistant coach and Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Birendra Lakra, the focus remains strictly on the immediate challenge.
The final pool opponent, Switzerland, like India, boasts two victories.
“Switzerland is a good team; they won two matches. If we have to reach the quarters, we have to beat them. From tomorrow, we will watch their videos and analyse their game. Our boys will be fully prepared for the challenge,” Lakra explained.
New turf, new challenge
The team’s final group match against the Swiss will be held in Madurai, a city hosting the Indian Colts for the first time.
The former Indian defender noted that the change in venue and turf will affect both teams equally, making quick adaptation to the turf’s pace and bounce crucial.
“We will travel there, and we will have a few practice sessions. It is a new venue for us and for the Swiss team as well. Weather-wise, it will be almost the same.
“We have to utilise the practice sessions to adjust to the turf, which doesn’t seem very different from here [Chennai]. But until we see it in person, it is hard to be certain,” Lakra opined.
“We will work on the basics and then our structure. These are the fundamentals, and if we can adjust to that, it will be easier for the boys in the match.”
The Odisha-born defender joined the coaching staff—led by his long-time national teammate P.R. Sreejesh—in May and has become a vital tactical voice.
During matches, he often takes charge of communicating with the players while the legendary goalkeeper moves to vantage points for a better tactical view.
From player to coach
Lakra, who last played for the now-rebranded Team Gonasika in the Hockey India League 2025, views this coaching role as a critical next step after retirement.
“Being a player is very different from being a coach. Coaching is much harder because of the responsibilities. As a coach, you have to think about the team and manage the individuals constantly,” Lakra said, emphasising the shift in demands
To further nurture the team, Sreejesh and Lakra were joined by their former teammate Rupinderpal Singh during the preparation camp at SAI Bengaluru, focusing on strengthening the youngsters’ drag-flicking ability.
When asked about his role in building the future of the game, the 35-year-old remained humble.
“This is just a start. Hockey India and Sreejesh bhai have given me a huge opportunity. I’m learning every day, and after the tournament I’ll do FIH coaching courses to equip myself even better.”
As the Indian Colts pursue a world title on home soil, Lakra stressed the developmental aspect over the trophy.
“Yes, we all want to lift the trophy, but the primary focus is their [players] growth. They will learn some valuable lessons in this tournament, which will hopefully help them in their careers,” he concluded.
Published on Nov 30, 2025