New Delhi, 17 February (H.S.): Hockey India announced on Tuesday a 24-member Indian men's hockey team for the FIH Pro League 2025–26 Hobart leg, scheduled from February 20 to 25 at the Tasmania Hockey Centre in Hobart, Australia. India will compete alongside hosts Australia and Spain in this crucial phase.

Following their Rourkela leg encounters against Belgium and Argentina, the team now eyes redemption and superior performance in Hobart.The squad blends seasoned campaigners with emerging talents, underscoring a strategic equilibrium. Two-time Olympic bronze medallist Hardik Singh assumes captaincy, stepping up in the absence of regular skipper Harmanpreet Singh, who sits out due to personal reasons. Rourkela debutants Amandeep Lakra and Manmeet Singh retain their spots, signaling faith in youthful promise.

Goalkeeping duties fall to Suraj Kakkera and Mohit Honnenahalli Shashikumar, combining reliability with agility. The defense features stalwarts Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, and Sumit, complemented by dynamic prospects Amandeep Lakra, Yashdeep Siwach, and Poovanna Chandura Bobby.

Midfield orchestration rests with Captain Hardik Singh, flanked by Sanjay, Vivek Sagar Prasad, and Raj Kumar Pal, alongside Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, and Vishnu Kant Singh. The forward line boasts proven strikers Abhishek, Shilanand Lakra, and Mandeep Singh, bolstered by Maninder Singh's return—he last featured in the 2022 Asia Cup and Pro League seasons 2022-23 and 2023-24. Arijit Singh Hundal, Aditya Arjun Lalage, and Angad Bir Singh add attacking firepower.

Chief Coach Craig Fulton emphasized lessons from Rourkela's setbacks, stating the team aims to fortify preparations for the World Cup and Asian Games through enhanced Hobart showings.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar