India's Hockey Team Prepares for Major Tournaments with New Training Camp
Hockey India Announces Core Probables for Upcoming Camp
Bengaluru, July 10: Hockey India has revealed a 33-member core probable squad for the senior men's national coaching camp, scheduled to be held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru from July 14 to August 7.
This training camp is vital for the Indian team as they prepare for two significant international events: the tour to Australia and the Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar, set for August 29 to September 7. The Asia Cup winner will secure a direct spot in the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2026.
Despite a challenging FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 season in Europe, where India managed only one victory out of eight matches and finished in eighth place, the coaching staff is determined to regain momentum and focus on critical areas before the upcoming competitions.
The goalkeeping lineup remains intact with Krishan B Pathak, Suraj Karkera, Pawan, and Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar continuing their duties.
On defense, the team will rely on Sumit, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Amandeep Lakra, Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, and Yashdeep Siwach.
The midfield showcases a mix of youth and experience, featuring Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Poovanna Chandura Boby, Rajinder Singh, Vishnu Kant Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, and Shamsher Singh.
The forward line is packed with talent, including Gurjant Singh, Abhishek, Shilanand Lakra, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Selvam Karthi, Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Uttam Singh, and Angad Bir Singh.
In a statement regarding the camp, Indian Men’s Hockey Team head coach Craig Fulton remarked, “Looking back at our Pro League performances in Europe, we felt the squad showed competitive spirit in every match, but we struggled to finish strong — a contrast to our performance in Bhubaneswar. This is an area we need to enhance.”
“Our goals for this training camp are straightforward — to continue developing our ‘defend to counter to win’ strategy. There’s still much to accomplish, but it’s an exciting period as we gear up for the Asia Cup in Bihar. Winning this tournament would grant us direct qualification for the World Cup, which serves as a significant motivation for the entire team,” he added.
The complete list of 33 players for the senior men's camp includes:
Goalkeepers: Krishan B Pathak, Suraj Karkera, Pawan, Mohith H S.
Defenders: Sumit, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Yashdeep Siwach, Amandeep Lakra.
Midfielders: Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh, Rajinder Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Shamsher Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Poovanna CB, Vishnukant Singh.
Forwards: Gurjant Singh, Abhishek, Shilanand Lakra, Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Aditya Arjun Lagage, Selvam Karthi, Uttam Singh, Angad Bir Singh.