FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025: Top five Indian players to watch out for

Gurjot Singh who scored 14 goals in the 2023 Men’s Hockey5s Asia Cup is included in Indian squad.

The FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 is set to take place from November 28 to December 10. The Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai and the Madurai International Hockey Stadium in Madurai will be hosting all games of the multi-nation event.

A total of 24 teams, split into six groups of four teams each, will participate in the tournament. The tournament will be played in a single round-robin format with every team playing each other once.

The group winners from each group and two best second-place finishers will qualify for the quarter-finals. Then, a knockout system will be in place to decide the winner of the tournament.

In the last edition, Germany lifted their seventh title after beating France. Belgium’s Hugo Labouchere was the top-scorer with nine goals.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐮𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐦, 𝐊𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐚!🏆The FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 Trophy makes a proud halt in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala — inspiring young dreams and hockey passion. ✨💪The event was graced by the… pic.twitter.com/FVK1WPHR9z

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) November 26, 2025

Let’s take a look at the top five Indian players to watch out for in the tournament.

Indian players to watch at FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025

#5 Gurjot Singh – Midfielder

Gurjot made his mark at the Men’s Hockey5s Asia Cup 2023 in Salalah by scoring 14 goals. His performances eventually helped the Indian team to win the title.

Thereafter, he scored three goals in the Junior Asia Cup 2024, which saw India again ending up as the winners.

Meanwhile, Gurjot converted a penalty corner in the recently concluded Sultan of Johor Cup 2025. He has the ability to surprise the opponents and emerge as a match winner for the side.

Also Read: FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025: India is ‘one of the best places in world to play hockey’, says England coach

#4 Dilraj Singh – Forward

As per official records, Dilraj has been part of only two international tournament so far. He was the second-best Indian player in the Junior Asia Cup 2024 with seven goals, and played a crucial role in the team’s title win.

Dilraj also contributed with three goals in the Sultan of Johor Cup 2024. With an impressive track record, he is expected to do well in the World Cup as well.

#3 Arshdeep Singh – Forward

Arshdeep was one of the finest performers for India in the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2024 with six goals. The performances helped him to be a part of the Hockey India League.

With two goals in the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025, Arshdeep looks locked to perform well in the showpiece event.

India finish the group stage at Jr. Men's Asia Cup here in Oman, Muscat with yet another goal-feast win against Korea. Hattrick from Arshdeep Singh and a brace from Araijeet Singh Hundal laid the foundation to this solid win. Next up, it's time for a Semi-Final clash with… pic.twitter.com/XkZRID29E5

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) December 1, 2024

#2 Rohit – Defender

Rohit will lead the Indian side in the absence of Araijeet Singh Hundal. He first impressed with his strong performances in the Junior Asia Cup 2024, with four goals.

Rohit was the top performer for India with three goals in the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025, as the Men in Blue emerged as the runners-up. His experience will be crucial if the team wants to have a deeper run in the World Cup. 

#1 Sourabh Anand Kushwaha – Forward

Sourabh Anand Kushwaha has depicted consistency with his performance in recent years. Kushwaha returned with two goals in the 2023 FIH Junior World Cup, as India reached the semifinal.

With five goals in the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2024, he played a pivotal role in helping India to claim the title. The talented forward has been in fine form, as he scored two goals in the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025.

After being part of the Hockey India League in the last three editions, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha could emerge as the most important for the hosts. 

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