Harmanpreet returns to lead as Hockey India name 24-member squad for European leg of FIH Pro League 2025-26
New Delhi, May 27
Hockey India on Wednesday announced a 24-member Indian Men's Team for the upcoming European leg of the FIH Pro League 2025-26. Harmanpreet Singh has returned to lead the side after missing the Hobart leg earlier this year due to personal reasons. The Indian contingent will travel to Brussels, Belgium, for preparatory training and a friendly match from June 7 to 9, according to a release from Hockey India.
Following this short camp, the squad will be in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, from June 10 for the Pro League matches against Germany and the Netherlands scheduled for June 14 to 21. Thereafter, the Indian team will fly to London, England, where they will face Pakistan and England in the Pro League from June 23 to 28. The squad features a blend of seasoned veterans and young talent - strategically chosen to solidify the core team heading into the upcoming World Cup. India's captain and leader of the defence, Harmanpreet, will be backed by a robust defensive unit comprising Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh and young defender Amandeep Lakra. The midfield will be anchored by the experienced duo of Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad, besides Raj Kumar Pal. The forward line features explosive attackers, including Mandeep Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek and Selvam Karthi. Hockey India has also named five standby players. This list includes goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak, forwards Araijeet Singh Hundal and Maninder Singh, defender Poovanna Chandura Boby and midfielder Vishnu Kant Singh. Commenting on the squad selection and the upcoming Pro League matches in Europe, Chief Coach Craig Fulton said, "Training has been going really well, and the squad is in great shape. The FIH Pro League matches in Holland and England in June are exactly what we need -- tough tests against world-class opposition that will tell us exactly where we stand in our World Cup preparations. We are looking forward to the challenge." Indian Men's Hockey Team (24-Member Squad): Goalkeepers: Mohith Honnenahalli 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 European Leg Match Schedule (All Times IST): Rotterdam, The Netherlands:* 14 June 2026: Netherlands vs India - 19:30 IST* 17 June 2026: India vs Germany - 23:00 IST* 18 June 2026: Germany vs India - 23:00 IST* 21 June 2026: Netherlands vs India - 17:30 IST London, England:* 23 June 2026: Pakistan vs India - 19:00 IST* 25 June 2026: England vs India - 12:00 IST(midnight)* 26 June 2026: India vs Pakistan - 22:30 IST* 28 June 2026: England vs India - 20:30 IST.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Happy to see young Amandeep Lakra getting chances. But honestly, I'm worried about our goalkeeping situation - only two keepers for such a long tour? Mohith and Suraj need to step up big time against quality teams like Germany and Netherlands. 🤔
The midfield looks solid with Hardik and Manpreet together. But I wish they had included Araijeet Hundal in the main squad instead of standby - that boy has firepower! Craig Fulton seems confident, but beating Netherlands in Rotterdam is a mountain to climb. Fingers crossed! 🇮🇳
As someone who follows hockey closely, I think this squad is well-balanced. The experience of Mandeep Singh upfront and Harmanpreet at the back should help the youngsters gel. The India-Pakistan games in London will be a great spectacle - hope the atmosphere is as good as the 2018 Champions Trophy!
I'm glad they're treating the Pro League as serious World Cup preparation, not just a formality. But dropping Krishan Bahadur Pathak to standby is a bit harsh - he's been reliable. Let's see how Suraj Karkera handles the pressure. The real test will be our penalty corner conversion rate against top defences. 🏑
Super excited for the London leg! India vs Pakistan always brings back memories of the 2014 Asian Games final. This time we have a balanced team - Abhishek and Selvam Karthi can surprise any defence. Hope our penalty corner defence is tighter than in the last Asian Champions Trophy though. Wishing the team all the best! 🌟
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.