Harmanpreet Singh, the proficient drag-flicker, is set to lead the Indian men’s hockey team in the crucial FIH Pro League matches scheduled in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. These fixtures hold immense significance for the team’s preparations leading up to the Paris Olympics later this year. As his deputy, Harmanpreet will be accompanied by midfielder Hardik Singh in a 24-member squad announced by Hockey India.
The Bhubaneswar leg of the tournament is slated to commence on February 10 and conclude on February 16, followed by the Rourkela leg, which will run from February 19 to February 25. India is scheduled to face Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, and Australia twice each across both legs, with their opening match against Spain on February 10.
The squad selection aligns with expectations, with striker Boby Dhami and goalkeeper Pawan not included, having missed out on the South Africa tour last month. The Indian goalkeeping responsibilities rest with the seasoned PR Sreejesh and Krishan Bahadur Pathak. The defensive lineup comprises Harmanpreet, Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, Sumit, Sanjay, Jugraj Singh, and Vishnukant Singh.
In the midfield, Hardik Singh will lead alongside players like Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Shamsher Singh, Rajkumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, and Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem. The forward line combines experience and youthful energy with players such as Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Mandeep Singh, Gurjant Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, Akashdeep Singh, and Araijeet Singh Hundal, who recently made his debut during the South Africa tour.
Craig Fulton, India’s chief coach, emphasized the careful selection of a well-balanced squad that blends seasoned expertise with youthful vigor. The goal is to form a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level. The FIH Pro League serves as an ideal platform for refining strategies and measuring skills against top-tier opponents, with champions earning a coveted spot in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, highlighting the paramount significance of the league.