P.R. Sreejesh focussed on big picture ahead of Junior Hockey World Cup campaign
P.R. Sreejesh, head coach of the Indian men’s junior hockey team, termed the upcoming FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup in India as the ‘stepping stone’ for future Olympic participation for his players.
The former Indian international goalkeeper opined that the lessons the junior team can learn by playing at this level will be the backbone of their journey towards the 2028 and the 2032 Olympics.
“One thing I always tell the boys is to dream big. They will not be playing in the junior team forever. Their dream will be to play in Los Angeles 2028 or Brisbane 2032. It is important for them to have a long vision about their career,” the two-time Olympic bronze medallist told media on Friday after the Indian squad for the event was announced.
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“This is a place where they gain experience, playing in front of a huge crowd. They will learn to control themselves and execute the simple, basic things under pressure,” he added.
The 18-member squad for the event, which will be held from November 28 to December 10 in Chennai and Madurai, will be led by defender Rohit.
Sreejesh, a four-time Olympian, expressed that despite the importance of looking at the bigger picture, the tournament will not be brushed under the carpet just as a means of preparation.
“When you go for a tournament, you expect to win. We are training hard to help them match expectations. Rohit, for example, this is the last opportunity [for him] to win a Junior World Cup medal,” he said.
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Striker Araijeet Singh Hundal, who was part of the India squad that finished fourth at the 2023 Junior World Cup in Malaysia, will miss the current edition due to a shoulder injury. Head Coach Sreejesh provided an update on the attacker and attested that his side is well-equipped to deal with his absence.
“Hundal fell and dislocated his shoulder during a training session. The doctors said he is not fit enough to play the World Cup. Another collision or impact on the shoulder could put him back in the same scenario,” the coach said.
“He has rich experience playing in the seniors and in the previous Junior World Cup. But the players we have selected are good enough. I hope they will not give me any opportunity to realise I’m missing Hundal,” he added.
India enters the competition on the back of a runner-up finish at the Sultan of Johor Cup, following which they took on the senior India team as part of its preparatory camp. Sreejesh hopes this comprehensive build-up will help the side replicate the success from the 2016 edition, where he tasted glory as the mentor of the victorious Indian team.
Published on Nov 14, 2025