India Unveils Hockey Squad for Historic New Zealand Tour

Hockey India has announced the men's squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, set to take place from November 15 to 23, 2026. This tour commemorates a century of sporting unity between India and New Zealand, featuring matches at the Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium. Led by Olympic bronze medalist Sanjay, the team comprises young talents eager to showcase their skills on an international stage. The event not only honors a historic milestone but also aims to strengthen the sporting ties between the two nations. The matches are scheduled for November 19, 21, and 22, providing a platform for emerging players to gain valuable experience.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 9, 2026, 18:18 IST

India's Hockey Team Set for New Zealand Tour

On Monday, Hockey India revealed the roster for the Indian men's hockey team, which is set to embark on a tour of New Zealand from November 15 to 23, 2026, in Auckland. This tour, named the 2026 India/New Zealand Century of Sporting Unity Event, commemorates 100 years of sports collaboration between the two nations. The teams will compete in three matches scheduled for November 19, 21, and 22 at the Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium in Auckland.

Celebrating a Century of Sporting History

This event marks a significant milestone, tracing back to 1926 when an Indian Army hockey team, featuring the iconic Major Dhyan Chand, became the first Indian sports team to visit New Zealand. The upcoming matches will honor this pivotal moment in the sporting histories of both countries and aim to enhance their enduring sports relationship.

Squad Leadership and Composition

The squad will be captained by Sanjay, a bronze medalist from the Paris 2024 Olympics, who will lead a youthful team. This tour presents a crucial chance for emerging players to gain international experience. The coaching staff will also evaluate new talent to strengthen the Indian men's hockey framework.

Chief Coach Craig Fulton remarked, "The squad features a mix of promising under-21 players alongside the core of the current India A team. These matches are perfectly timed to challenge our squad against a formidable New Zealand side on their home turf."

Opportunities for Young Talent

The selected players are eager to seize this opportunity to showcase their skills and solidify their positions for future national team selections. Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey expressed, "The New Zealand tour is a fantastic chance to celebrate a century of sporting camaraderie between our nations. I am confident that our young athletes will excel and highlight the talent within Indian hockey."

Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh added, "This tour is historically significant as we commemorate a century of sporting partnership with New Zealand. It will also serve as a valuable platform for our young players to gain international exposure and demonstrate their readiness for future challenges."

Complete Squad for the New Zealand Tour

Goalkeepers: 1. Mohith HS 2. Pawan
Defenders: 3. Talem Priyobarta 4. Sanjay (c) 5. Nilam Sanjeep Xess 6. Sharda Nand Tiwari 7. Anmol Ekka 8. Yashdeep Siwach
Midfielders: 9. Angad Bir Singh 10. Aditya Arjun Lalage 11. Rabichandra Singh 12. Vishnukant Singh 13. Manmeet Singh 14. Rosan Kujur 15. Venkatesh Kenche
Forwards: 16. Ajeet Yadav 17. Uttam Singh 18. Karthi Selvam 19. Arshdeep Singh 20. Araijeet Singh Hundal

Match Schedule

Fixtures:
November 19, Thursday – 11:00 am IST
November 21, Saturday – 8:30 am IST
November 22, Sunday – 6:30 am IST.