Sultan of Johor Cup 2024: Top five Indian players to watch ft. Gurjot Singh, Mukesh Toppo & more

India have won the Sultan of Johor Cup thrice.

The Sultan of Johor Cup, a highly regarded under-21 men’s field hockey tournament, is set to kick off its 12th edition on October 19 in Malaysia. This annual event has become a crucial platform for youngsters who want to be recognized in the field of hockey.

India, a three-time champion, will battle for its fourth title in a group of young Indian colts carrying the hopes of their nation. Led by captain Amir Ali, the squad features a mix of athletes who have already tasted success at the senior level and others looking to make their mark on the international scene.

This year’s tournament assumes a special significance as it immediately follows the recent success of India in the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy. Players who have savored that success are there and, hence, much hope abounds in Johor.

Here are five Indian players to keep a close eye on during Sultan of Johor Cup 2024:

Indian players to watch at Sultan of Johor Cup 2024

5. Mukesh Toppo – Defender

Mukesh Toppo is a young Indian hockey player born on January 1, 2004, in Odisha. He has played as a defender in the Indian junior men’s hockey team and plays for the Punjab Hockey Club Academy which is one of the leading organizations in the field of promotion of the sport in India.

Mukesh has impressed many with his defensive capabilities in prominent tournaments such as the Sultan of Johor Cup and the Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup. Due to his fortifying tackles and his excellent game intelligence, Mukesh certainly delivers for the defensive areas of the team.

4. Ankit Pal – Midfielder

The 19-year-old Ankit Pal has an inspiring hockey career to speak for. At 11 years of age, he was expelled from the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy in Bhopal. However, he fought back and returned to playing hockey.

Pal’s comeback story led him to his selection for the 2023 Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup, where he represented India and made a great impact. He excels in the center due to his vision for the game and his impressive skill at transitioning between defense and attack.

3. Gurjot Singh – Forward

Gurjot Singh was born on November 22, 2004, in Husainabad is one to watch out for in future. The 19-year- old forward recently made his senior team debut in the Asian Champions Trophy.

Singh’s story of making it to the national team is a remarkable one. As a kid, he suffered a severe head injury and had to work in a sandal making company to sustain his family while he was also trying to follow the sport of hockey. This dream came true for him when in year 2021, he was recruited by the Round Glass Hockey Academy scouts.

He most recently featured in the senior squad as a forward and Singh is now able to make the transition to the junior team’s line up along with his clutch abilities.

2. Rohit – Vice Captain and Defender

Rohit is a talented young defender from Indian hockey who plays for Hockey Chandigarh. He was born on March 23, 2004 and is quickly becoming one of the vital members of India’s junior national team.

Rohit has already gained a lot of international exposure. He was a member of the Indian team for the FIH Junior World Cup 2023, where they achieved fourth place. To date, Rohit’s standout success was winning the gold medal at the Men’s Junior Asia Cup held in Salalah, Oman in 2023. Rohit can be expected to play a key role for India in the Sultan of Johor Cup in 2024.

1. Amir Ali – Captain and Defender

Amir Ali leads the Indian team as captain and anchor of the defense. Born in Lucknow on 23 March 2004, Amir at 20 has already made waves in the senior circuit.

Ali recently played for the senior Indian team that won gold at the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy in Moqi, China. He stepped in for the injured Sanjay and played some vital role as a substitute and India will rely on Ali’s experience in high-pressure games as it will try for the team to win the Sultan of Johor Cup for the fourth time.

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