India Advances to FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup Quarterfinals

India, 15 December 2025 — The Indian men's junior hockey team has secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup. The team achieved this milestone after a decisive victory against South Africa on Wednesday, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. India dominated the match with a 5-2 win, showcasing a strong offensive and defensive performance.

Captain Rajkumar Pal led the charge with two goals, while teammates Arjun Kumar, Vivek Sagar Prasad, and Dilpreet Singh each added to the scoreboard. The victory ensured India's advancement from the group stage, highlighting their potential as a strong contender in the tournament.

India's head coach, Graham Reid, expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum as they prepare for the quarterfinals. "The boys have shown great determination and skill. We need to carry this form forward," Reid stated.

The FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup is a key event for emerging hockey talents, providing a platform for young players to showcase their abilities on an international stage. India's progress in the tournament is closely watched as they aim to build on their historical success in junior hockey.

The upcoming quarterfinal match will test the Indian squad further, as they aim to secure a place in the semifinals. The tournament continues to be an exciting prospect for fans of Indian hockey, with the team showing promise and resilience.