FIH Junior World Ranking: 3

How they qualified: 4th Place – FIH Hockey Junior World Cup Bhubaneswar 2021

Junior World Cup history: 2021 – 4th, 2016 – 1st, 2013 – 10th, 2009 – 9th, 2005 – 4th, 2001 – 1st,1997 – 2nd, 1985 – 5th, 1982 – 5th, 1979 – 5th

India arrive in Kuala Lumpur as the continental champions of Asia, having stormed to the title at the Junior Asia Cup 2023 in Salalah, Oman earlier this year. The two-time junior world champions defeated Chinese Taipei (18-0), Japan (3-1), Thailand (17-0) and Korea (9-1) to set up a final against eternal rivals Pakistan, who held India to a 1-1 draw in the pool phase. The final was another close contest, but goals from Angad Bir Singh and Araijeet Singh Hundal secured a 2-1 victory. Hundal scored eight times for India in Oman and could be a player to watch alongside penalty corner ace Amandeep Lakra, who found the target six times during India’s third place finish at the recent Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia. Uttam Singh, who was named rising player of the tournament at the 2022 Asia Cup for India’s senior men, will captain the side during their 11th Junior World Cup campaign.