New Delhi, 21 July (H.S.):

Hockey India has announced the 20-member Indian squad for the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026. Experienced defender and drag-flick specialist Harmanpreet Singh will lead the team, while veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh will provide valuable experience to the side.

The World Cup will be held from August 15 to 30, 2026, in Belgium and the Netherlands. India has been placed in Pool D alongside England, Pakistan and Wales. The Indian team will play all its pool-stage matches in Amstelveen, Netherlands.

Head coach Craig Fulton expressed satisfaction with the squad selection and said that the team represents a balanced combination of experienced campaigners and talented young players.

“This is a balanced team. It has a great mix of players who have experience of playing in major tournaments as well as young players who are currently in excellent form. These youngsters have earned their places in the team through their performances and not just their reputation,” Fulton said.

India will begin its World Cup campaign against Wales on August 15. The team will then face England on August 17, followed by a high-voltage clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on August 19. The India-Pakistan encounter is expected to be one of the most eagerly awaited matches of the pool stage.

Fulton said that “press, counter and performance” are not just tactical elements but form the foundation of the team’s approach and training philosophy.

“‘Press, counter and performance’ is not only our strategy, but also the mindset and foundation of this team’s preparation. We are not looking too far ahead at the moment. Our focus is to take one match at a time and give our best performance in every game,” he said.

The head coach further highlighted India’s historic achievement of winning the 1975 Hockey World Cup and said the current squad has an opportunity to create a new chapter in Indian hockey history.

“India won the World Cup in 1975. Fifty years after that historic achievement, this team has an opportunity to write a new chapter in the history of Indian hockey, and we are all extremely excited about it,” Fulton added.

Indian Squad:

Goalkeepers:

Mohit H.S., Suraj Karkera

Defenders:

Jarmanpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh (Captain), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, Yashdeep Siwach

Midfielders:

Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Nilakanta Sharma, Rajinder Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage

Forwards:

Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar