Punjab Players Shine in Indian Men's Hockey Team for FIH World Cup 2026

Punjab's Representation in the Upcoming Hockey World Cup

Eight athletes from Punjab have secured spots on the Indian men's hockey team for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to 30.

The roster includes captain Harmanpreet Singh, former captain Manpreet Singh, along with Hardik Singh, Germanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, and Mandeep Singh. Notably, Manpreet, Hardik, Mandeep, and Sukhjeet are from Jalandhar, while the others have strong connections to the city, having developed their skills at Surjit Hockey Stadium.

Manpreet, who recently achieved the milestone of being India's most-capped hockey player, brings a wealth of experience to the team. His leadership continues to be a cornerstone for the national squad.

Sukhjeet Singh's story is particularly remarkable. After overcoming partial paralysis a few years back, he made a triumphant return to represent India at the Paris Olympics, where the team clinched a bronze medal.

Reflecting on that success, Sukhjeet shared with The Tribune, “The night we won the bronze medal, I couldn’t sleep, reminiscing about my life’s journey. It hasn’t been easy; I’ve faced significant health challenges... I’ve come a long way.”

Hockey Punjab's president Nitin Kohli and general secretary Amrik Singh Powar congratulated the selected players, expressing optimism about India's prospects in the World Cup. They highlighted the pride in Harmanpreet Singh's leadership and the invaluable experience Manpreet brings to the team.

“This team represents a perfect mix of seasoned players and emerging talent. We believe India has what it takes to win the World Cup,” they stated.