The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 is just around the corner, and the Indian hockey team is gearing up for an exciting campaign. Scheduled to be held in Ipoh, Malaysia, from November 23rd to 30th, this tournament marks India’s return to the prestigious event after a break since 2019. India has a formidable record in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, having lifted the trophy an impressive five times, making them the second most successful team in its history. The tournament is a significant fixture, overseen by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation and recognized by the FIH.
This year’s Indian squad will showcase a new wave of talent, as coach Craig Fulton has chosen to rest several established senior players. This strategic decision allows for the growth and exposure of younger athletes. Consequently, prominent figures like Harmanpreet Singh, Manpreet, and Mandeep will not be participating. The goalkeeping position will be manned by emerging talents Pawan and Mohith HS, while defender Sanjay will lead the team as captain. The squad also includes other talented players like Jugraj Singh, Amit Rohidas, Nilakanta Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, and Abhishek.
The competition format is a round-robin league, where all six participating teams – India, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, Canada, and Belgium – will compete against each other. The final match is scheduled for November 30th. Indian fans can stay connected with the tournament through live streaming services provided by FanCode on their app and website.