Harmanpreet returns to lead as Hockey India names squad for European leg of FIH Pro League
New Delhi, May 27
Hockey India on Wednesday announced a 24-member men's squad for the upcoming European leg of the FIH Pro League 2025-26, with Harmanpreet Singh returning to lead the side after a break for personal reasons during the Hobart leg of the Pro League in February this year.
The Indian contingent will travel to Brussels, Belgium, for preparatory training and a friendly match from 7 to 9 June 2026. Following this short camp, the squad will be in Rotterdam in the Netherlands from June 10 for the Pro League matches against Germany and the Netherlands scheduled for 14 to 21 June 2026. Thereafter, the Indian team will fly to London, England, where they will face Pakistan and England in the Pro League from 23 to 28 June 2026.
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."
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
— IANS
Reader Comments
Nice squad selection! Mix of youth and experience is good. But I hope the midfield doesn't rely too much on Hardik and Manpreet - we need more consistency from the younger guys like Vivek Sagar Prasad. Good luck to the team! 🤞
Honestly, I'm a bit concerned about the goalkeeping situation. Suraj Karkera is good but we need someone more reliable at the back. Harmanpreet's return will help stabilize the defence though. Let's see how they perform against top European sides.
Excited for the matches against Pakistan in London! Always a special rivalry. Hope our forwards like Mandeep and Sukhjeet can convert chances - we need more goals from field play, not just PCs. Good luck, Team India! 🏑🌟
As a hockey fan from Australia, I can appreciate the depth India is building. Harmanpreet is world-class, and seeing young players like Amandeep Lakra in the squad is promising. The Pro League is perfect preparation for the World Cup - India is looking strong!
I'm a bit disappointed that PR Sreejesh isn't in the squad - I know he retired, but his experience would have been invaluable for mentoring the young goalkeepers. Still, the team looks balanced. Let's hope we see good performances in Europe! 💪
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