New Delhi, 05 February (H.S.): Hockey India announced the 24-member Indian men's hockey team for the Rourkela leg of the FIH Pro League 2025-26 on Thursday.This phase of the tournament will unfold from February 10 to 15, 2026, at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, Odisha. Host India will face formidable sides like Argentina and Belgium, promising thrilling, high-stakes clashes before enthusiastic home crowds.

The squad blends seasoned experience with youthful promise. Team management has prioritized depth and balance across all units—goalkeeping, defense, midfield, and forwards—to launch the Pro League campaign on a robust note at home.Goalkeeping duties fall to Suraj Karkera and Pavan.

Defense will be led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, flanked by Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sumit, Sanjay, Nilam Sanjip Zes, and Amandeep Lakra. These players will provide defensive solidity and leadership.

Notably, Amandeep Lakra earned a spot after his stellar showing in the recently concluded Men's Hero Hockey India League 2025-26, where he was named 'Hero Player of the Tournament.'

Midfield features Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Hardik Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Nilakant Sharma, and Rosan Kujur. This unit offers a potent mix of experience, control, and creativity.

Odisha's 21-year-old Rosan Kujur earns his senior national team debut; he was part of the bronze-medal-winning Indian junior team at the 2025 FIH Junior World Cup and played a key role in Vedanta Kalinga Lancers' title-winning campaign in the Hero Hockey India League.

Forwards include Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Selvam Karthi, Mandeep Singh, Arijit Singh Hundal, and Aditya Arjun Lalage, tasked with scoring goals and driving attacks.

On the announcement, chief coach Craig Fulton stated, “This team is a superb blend of experience and youthful energy. With young guns like Rosan, Manmeet, and Amandeep alongside senior stalwarts, we have perfect balance. Belgium and Argentina are strong, but we trust our capabilities.”

Buoyed by passionate home support, India enters the Rourkela leg intent on a stellar performance.

India’s 24-Member Squad for FIH Pro League 2025-26 (Rourkela Leg)

Goalkeepers:

Suraj Karkera, Pavan.

Defenders:

Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Harmanpreet Singh (Captain), Sumit, Sanjay, Nilam Sanjip Zes, Amandeep Lakra.

Midfielders:

Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Hardik Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Nilakant Sharma, Rosan Kujur.

Forwards:

Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Selvam Karthi, Mandeep Singh, Arijit Singh Hundal, Aditya Arjun Lalage.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar