NEW DELHI: Uttam Singh will serve as captain of the 18-member Indian junior men's team for the Sultan of Johor Cup Malaysia, which gets underway on October 22 in Johor Bahru. Hockey India announced the team on Saturday.

The Indian team, which finished its 2019 campaign with a silver medal after a hard-fought match against Great Britain, will compete in this year's edition, which is being held after two years due to the pandemic, along with Australia, Japan, South Africa, hosts Malaysia, and reigning champions Great Britain.

Uttam Singh, India's captain, participated in the country's 2021 Junior World Cup campaign and made his senior team debut at the Asia Cup 2022, which was played in Jakarta earlier this year. The team's vice-captain has been appointed as Boby Singh Dhami.

Uttam Singh, Angad Bir Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, vice-captain Boby Singh Dhami, and Sudeep Chirmako will be in charge of the forward line.

On October 22, India will play Malaysia to open their campaign. On October 23, India will play South Africa. India will play Japan on October 25 and then play Australia on October 26 following a two-day break. On October 28, they will play Great Britain, and on October 29, the championship game will take place.

CR Kumar, the coach, said: "We are ready for the competition. The national camp has brought the players together for some time, and they are hungry to play. Nearly seven players on our team, some of whom have also played for the senior team, were a member of the 2021 Junior World Cup squad." We are thrilled to start our campaign against Malaysia in this crucial and highly regarded event for youth hockey, Kumar said.

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