Bengaluru, Nov 17 (NationPress) The Indian Men’s Hockey Team departed from Kempegowda International Airport in the early hours of Monday, heading to Ipoh, Malaysia, for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025, which is set to take place from November 23 to 30.

The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is renowned as one of the most esteemed invitational hockey tournaments globally, offering teams a vital opportunity to face elite competitors.

This year's tournament features a challenging lineup, with India set to open against Korea on November 23. In the round-robin phase, they will also compete against Belgium, Malaysia (the host), New Zealand, and Canada. The top two teams following the league stage will advance to the final on November 30.

Recently, the Indian team has been training in Bengaluru, focusing on tactical formations, structured gameplay, fitness, and combination refinement under the leadership of Captain Sanjay. The team enters the tournament with confidence and preparation after a rigorous training period.

Captain Sanjay conveyed optimism before the tournament, stating, “We are eagerly anticipating the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. The team has dedicated significant effort over the past few weeks, honing our tactical discipline and fitness. This tournament consistently presents a robust competitive environment and a chance to challenge ourselves against formidable international teams. We are ready and eager to perform at our best in every match, aiming for consistency and the title.”

Regarding the team’s spirit, he noted, “There is an incredible energy within the group. Everyone is aware of their responsibilities, and we are thrilled to represent India on such a significant platform. We aim to make our nation proud and sustain our positive momentum.”

The squad includes goalkeepers Pawan and Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar, with defenders Poovanna Chandura Boby, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Yashdeep Siwach, Jugraj Singh, Amit Rohidas, and Captain Sanjay. The midfield will be led by Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, Vivek Sagar Prasad, and Mohammed Raheel Mouseen.

For India’s offensive strategy, forwards include Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Selvam Karthi, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Dilpreet Singh, and Abhishek. The standby players for the tournament are Varun Kumar, Vishnu Kant Singh, Hardik Singh, and Angad Bir Singh.

India last claimed the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title in 2010 and was the runner-up in 2019. With a dedicated squad and thorough preparations, the Men in Blue are eager to reclaim the prestigious title in Ipoh.