Indian Men's Hockey Team Set for Historic Tour of New Zealand

Hockey India has unveiled the Indian men's hockey team for an upcoming tour of New Zealand, commemorating a century of sporting unity between the two nations. Led by Olympic bronze medalist Sanjay, the squad features a mix of young talent and experienced players. The tour, taking place from November 15 to 23, includes three matches aimed at enhancing the players' international exposure and strengthening the ties between India and New Zealand. This historic event not only celebrates a significant milestone in sports history but also provides a platform for emerging players to showcase their skills on an international stage.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 9, 2026, 23:45 IST

Indian Men's Hockey Squad Announced for New Zealand Tour

On November 9, 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 on November 19, 21, and 22 at the Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium in Auckland, as detailed on the Hockey India website.

The historical significance of this event traces back to 1926, when an Indian Army hockey team, featuring the iconic Major Dhyan Chand, became the first Indian squad in any sport to visit New Zealand. This upcoming event aims to honor this pivotal moment in the sporting history of both countries while reinforcing their enduring sports relationship.

Leading the Indian squad will be Sanjay, a bronze medalist from the Paris 2024 Olympics, who will guide a youthful team. This tour presents a crucial chance for emerging players to gain international experience.

Additionally, the coaching staff will utilize this opportunity to evaluate new talent and enhance the depth of the Indian men's hockey program.

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

The selected athletes are eager to seize this opportunity, showcase their skills, and solidify their positions for future national team selections.

Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India, expressed, “The New Zealand tour is a fantastic chance to celebrate a century of sporting camaraderie between our nations. I believe our young players will excel and highlight the talent and potential of Indian hockey.”

Shri Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General of Hockey India, added, “This tour is of great historical importance as we mark 100 years of our sporting partnership with New Zealand. It will also serve as a valuable platform for our young talents to gain international exposure and demonstrate their readiness for future challenges.”

Here is the Indian squad for the upcoming 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

Tour Schedule:

November 19, Thursday – 11:00 am IST

November 21, Saturday – 8:30 am IST

November 22, Sunday – 6:30 am IST.