-Hockey India Announces Strong 24-Member Squad, Focus Remains on World Cup Preparations
New Delhi, May 27 (H.S.): Hockey India on Wednesday announced the 24-member Indian men’s hockey squad for the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2025-26. Star defender Harmanpreet Singh returns to the squad and will once again lead the side after missing the Hobart leg in February due to personal reasons.
During the tour, the Indian team will face strong sides such as the Netherlands, Germany, England, and Pakistan. The tour is being considered extremely crucial in terms of preparations for the upcoming Hockey World Cup.
Preparation Camp in Belgium, Followed by Matches in the Netherlands and England
The Indian team will hold a training camp and play practice matches in Brussels, Belgium, from June 7 to 9. Thereafter, the squad will travel to Rotterdam in the Netherlands from June 10, where the Pro League matches will be played.
Following the Rotterdam leg, the Indian team will travel to London, England, where it will take on Pakistan and England.
Balanced Combination of Experienced and Young Players
The squad features a balanced blend of experienced campaigners and young talent. Keeping the upcoming World Cup in mind, the selectors have emphasized strengthening the core team.
In the defensive line-up, captain Harmanpreet Singh will be accompanied by Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, and young defender Amandeep Lakra.
The midfield responsibilities will rest on experienced players such as Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, and Raj Kumar Pal.
In attack, fast and aggressive forwards including Mandeep Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, and Selvam Karthi will be the key strengths of the side.
Five Standby Players Also Announced
Hockey India also named five standby players. These include goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak, forwards Araijeet Singh Hundal and Maninder Singh, defender Poovanna Chandura Boby, and midfielder Vishnu Kant Singh.
Coach Craig Fulton Says Matches Against World-Class Teams Will Be a Great Test
Head coach Craig Fulton said, “The team’s training has been excellent, and the players are in very good rhythm. The Pro League matches in the Netherlands and England in June are extremely important for us. These matches against world-class teams will show where we stand in terms of our World Cup preparations.”
Indian Squad
Goalkeepers:
Mohit Honnennahalli Shashikumar, Suraj Karkera
Defenders:
Harmanpreet Singh (Captain), Amit Rohidas, Sumit, Sanjay, Yashdeep Siwach, Amandeep Lakra, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh
Midfielders:
Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem
Forwards:
Mandeep Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Selvam Karthi
India’s Match Schedule (Indian Standard Time)
Rotterdam, Netherlands:
June 14: Netherlands vs India — 7:30 PM
June 17: India vs Germany — 11:00 PM
June 18: Germany vs India — 11:00 PM
June 21: Netherlands vs India — 5:30 PM
London, England:
June 23: Pakistan vs India — 7:00 PM
June 25: England vs India — 12:00 AM
June 26: India vs Pakistan — 10:30 PM
June 28: England vs India — 8:30 PM
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
