Sunil Jojo Aims for National Breakthrough and Medal Glory

22-year-old defender Sunil Jojo, hailing from Rourkela, is setting his sights on making a national breakthrough and earning medal glory with the Indian Men’s Hockey Team. After representing India at the Junior Hockey World Cup twice and playing a pivotal role in the bronze-medal finish at the recent Sultan of Johor Cup, Sunil is now training at the Senior Men’s National Coaching Camp in Bengaluru—a crucial phase in his hockey journey.

“Adjusting to the senior camp has been challenging,” Sunil said about his first experience at the elite level. “The physicality and pace are much higher, and the skill level has also raised the bar. But I’m working hard to adjust and elevate my game.”

Sunil, who identifies his game awareness and tackling as his strengths, is focused on improving his stamina and endurance to compete at the highest level. He credits much of his progress to the opportunity to train alongside Indian hockey stalwart Manpreet Singh, whose versatility and tactical intelligence have left a lasting impact on him. “Learning from Manpreet has been invaluable, especially observing how he adapts to different roles on the field,” Sunil shared.

With a clear vision in mind, Sunil aims to become a regular fixture in the Indian squad for all future competitions and dreams of winning medals for his country. “My dream is to contribute to India’s success on the global stage,” he said.

Sunil was also selected by UP Rudras in the recently revived Hero Hockey India League, where despite limited playing time, he gained significant exposure and insights from the experience. “It was a great opportunity to learn, especially in the dressing room and on the training ground,” he added.

Beyond physical prowess, Sunil emphasizes the importance of mental focus for success at the top level. “The best players have mental toughness, and that’s key to achieving your goals,” he said.

A product of Odisha’s vibrant hockey culture, Sunil’s journey has also been a way to uplift his family. Employed with Southeastern Railways, he takes pride in supporting his family financially. “Growing up, my family supported me immensely, and now I’m able to give back and ease their burden,” Sunil shared with a sense of gratitude.

As Sunil Jojo continues his rise through the ranks of Indian hockey, his determination and commitment to his goals are setting the stage for what could be a stellar international career.