Who is Rohit, India’s junior hockey skipper?
From humble beginnings in Dabra village near Hisar, Rohit emerged as a powerful drag-flicker and the captain of India’s junior men’s hockey team for the 2025 FIH Men’s Junior World Cup, being co-hosted in Chennai and Madurai.
Rohit’s sporting career began in 2014; he used to play cricket in the evening and started playing hockey after being influenced by his cousin.
Realising his potential, he joined the Chandigarh Sector 42 Hockey Academy, where coach Gurminder Singh spent several years shaping him from a raw talent to a national-level player.
Known for his strong physique and speed, Rohit is a skilful player who started to specialise as a drag-flicker from an early teenage period.
From College Trials to National Captaincy
The captaincy was a case of ‘regular performances and survival of the fittest’ for Rohit:
After being without the services of forward and drag-flicker Araijeet Singh Hundal, who was ruled out because of injury, selectors had named Rohit as captain, entrusting him with leadership responsibility both on and off the field.
The decision was supported by his past performances, including at the recent Sultan of Johor Cup, and by his technical and mental preparedness for the big stage.
Today, Rohit is not just the skipper but also the main drag-flicker and an important defensive anchor for the team.
Drag-Flick & Leadership Responsibility at Home
With home-ground advantage and hopes high, Rohit’s roles are manifold:
As captain, he has to lead a young squad through the pressure of the World Cup draw with panache, composure, strategy, and team spirit.
As a chief drag-flicker, especially in penalty corners, he has to convert scoring chances, the most important factor in close encounters.
As a defender, his duties are equally demanding: the dual role of launching attacking set pieces and neutralising opponent threats underlines his versatility.
Former senior players like Harmanpreet Singh have praised Rohit’s commitment, strength, and all-round game publicly, stamping him as a player for the future.
What Rohit Dreams Of: From Junior World Cup to Olympic Glory
For Rohit, the 2025 JWC is more than a tournament — it’s a milestone en route to bigger ambitions. “Playing at the World Cup is a dream; eventually I want to represent India at the Olympics,” he said. ‘He’s part of a new generation of young Indian hockey players — players who have grown up seeing international medals and now carry the hopes of replicating that success’.
The journey of Rohit from the modest fields of Hisar to leading India at the Junior World Cup is a strong reminder that determination, discipline, and proper mentorship can mould a world-class athlete. As captain, defender, and drag-flick specialist, he is at the centre of India’s campaign, carrying not only the hopes of his teammates but also the expectations of an entire hockey-loving nation. With his talent and mindset, Rohit is not just aiming for success in this tournament; he is laying the foundation for a future place in the senior team of India and, eventually, on the Olympic stage.
More Stories
Pre-Release Buzz and Booking Trends
India vs South Africa, 2nd Test Day 1: Bumrah Strikes Before Tea as India Get Crucial Breakthrough
Big Blow for India: Shubman Gill Ruled Out of Guwahati Test Match