Bhubaneswar: Vedanta Kalinga Lancers players Rosan Kujur and Mukesh Toppo have been selected to represent India in the prestigious Men’s Junior Asia Cup, scheduled from November 26 to December 4, 2024. This tournament serves as a key platform for emerging talent and a gateway to the International Hockey Federation’s FIH Junior Hockey Men’s World Cup. While Team India has already qualified as hosts for the 2025 World Cup, the event offers an opportunity to showcase skills ahead of the much-anticipated Hockey India League’s return after a 7-year hiatus.
Placed in Pool A, Team India will face Chinese Taipei, Japan, Korea, and Thailand. Led by Amir Ali as captain and Rohit as vice-captain, the squad is brimming with talent and ready to compete on the Asian stage.
Rosan Kujur expressed his excitement, saying, “Indian Hockey is on the rise, and the next two months are massive with the Men’s Junior Asia Cup and the Hockey India League. It’s an honour to represent Team India in this tournament—it’s a chance to take on some of the best in Asia, with many of them likely heading to India for the World Cup next year. For now, all my focus is on the Men’s Junior Asia Cup, and I can’t wait to join the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers as we gear up for the Hockey India League and play in front of passionate Indian Hockey fans. These are exciting times for Indian Hockey.”
Mukesh Toppo echoed similar sentiments, adding, “I would like to thank Hockey India, my coaches, and the fans of Indian hockey for their constant motivation to help me achieve greater things in one of the greatest Indian sports. I look forward to syncing up with the team and playing a crucial role as we aim to win the prestigious title of being the best in Asia. I am also excited to play alongside Rosan, as we will be sharing the dressing room for the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers in front of our home fans.”
Strategy Director, David John praised the selections, stating, “Congratulations to Rosan and Mukesh for qualifying for the Men’s Junior Asia Cup. We have immense faith in their talent, and we believe they will play a crucial role as Team India strives for glory. Having worked extensively within the Indian hockey ecosystem, I am confident that Indian hockey is on the right track, and this is just the beginning of something great. In addition to Rosan and Mukesh, the Indian squad is filled with exceptional talent, and together they have the capability to set the stage on fire.”
India will play their first game against Thailand on November 27 before facing Japan, Chinese Taipei, and Korea in a tough Pool A.
