Rourkela: Three players from Odisha have earned a place in the 18-member Indian squad for the 14th edition of the Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup, which is scheduled to begin in Chennai and Madurai, Tamil Nadu, on Friday.
The tournament, which will continue till December 10, will feature teams from 24 countries competing for the title.
India has successfully hosted the event earlier in 2013 (New Delhi), 2016 (Lucknow) and 2021 (Bhubaneswar). The country has lifted the Junior World Cup trophy twice — in 2001 (Australia) and 2016 (India). In the previous two editions, 2021 and 2023, India finished fourth. With home conditions and strong crowd support, the Indian team aims to clinch the title for the third time this year.
THE PLAYERS FROM ODISHA
Roshan Kujur
A gifted midfielder from Odisha, 20-year-old Roshan Kujur hails from Dampose village in Rajgangpur block in Sundargarh district. He joined the Panposh Sports Hostel in 2015. Roshan made his international debut last year during the Netherlands tour, followed by impressive outings in the Junior Asia Cup and the Sultan of Johor Cup (2024 & 2025). He currently trains at the Tata Hockey Academy, Bhubaneswar, and represents Kalinga Lancers in the Hockey India League (HIL).
Anmol Ekka
Born in Kesaramal (Farsadipa) village of Rajgangpur block, 19-year-old Anmol Ekka was selected for the SAI Centre, Sundargarh, in 2018 and joined the Naval Tata Hockey Academy, Bhubaneswar in 2020. Anmol began his international journey with the Netherlands tour last year and later represented India in the Junior Asia Cup and the Sultan of Johor Cup (2024 & 2025).
After the World Cup, he will play for Ranchi Royals in the Hockey India League.
Adrohit Ekka
A 19-year-old midfielder from Samlaimunda village in Kutra block joined the Panposh Sports Hostel in 2017. He trained under coaches Peter Soren, Prafulla Tirkey, Lakshminarayan and B.J. Kariappa. Adrohit earned his maiden call-up to the Indian junior team this June and participated in the four-nation Tournament in Germany. He later helped India win the silver medal at the Sultan of Johor Cup.
Known for his calm, composed and creative playing style, he is considered one of the promising rising talents of Indian hockey. In the upcoming HIL season, he will represent Tamil Nadu Dragons.