The Indian men's hockey team has unveiled a dynamic 24-member squad for the upcoming Rourkela leg of the FIH Pro League 2025-26 season, blending seasoned campaigners with promising young talent. The selection comes amidst recent discussions about team composition and marks the beginning of India's campaign in the prestigious international tournament.
Pro League Campaign Kicks Off in Rourkela
India will commence their 2025-26 FIH Pro League journey in Rourkela, Odisha, with matches scheduled from February 10th to 15th, 2026. All games will be hosted at the world-class Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, which has become a significant venue for international hockey events in recent years. The Rourkela leg promises high-octane action as hosts India face off against global powerhouses Argentina and Belgium.
Notable Inclusions in the Squad
The squad announcement brings several interesting selections to the forefront. Dragflick specialist Amandeep Lakra earns his place following an outstanding Hockey India League season with Hyderabad Toofans, where he scored nine crucial goals. His performance was particularly noteworthy as he effectively filled the void left by international star Gonzalo Peillat.
Two young talents who shone at the FIH Junior World Cup have also received call-ups. Manmeet Singh and Rosan Kujur, both part of India's bronze medal-winning junior team, have been included in the senior squad. Rosan Kujur, who hails from Odisha, earns his maiden national team call-up after impressing for Kalinga Lancers in the domestic circuit.
Squad Composition and Balance
Led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, the squad maintains a balanced approach with experienced players complementing emerging talent. The defensive unit features familiar names including Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, and Jugraj Singh, while the midfield combines established players like Vivek Sagar Prasad and Hardik Singh with newcomers Manmeet and Rosan.
The forward line boasts a mix of proven scorers and young prospects, with Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, and Mandeep Singh providing experience alongside emerging talents like Araijeet Singh Hundal and Aditya Arjun Lalage.
Coach's Perspective on Team Selection
Indian Men's Hockey Team Chief Coach Craig Fulton expressed enthusiasm about the squad composition, stating, "It's an exciting mix of youth and experience. We have young talents like Rosan, Manmeet and Amandeep coming through, while the presence of senior players adds valuable experience. That balance is important for us."
Fulton further emphasized the team's preparedness for the challenging fixtures ahead, adding, "Belgium and Argentina are quality sides, but we believe in our abilities and are focused on delivering our best performances."
Complete Squad Details
The 24-member Indian squad for the FIH Pro League Rourkela leg includes:
- Goalkeepers: Suraj Karkera, Pawan
- Defenders: Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Sanjay, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Amandeep Lakra
- Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Hardik Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Rosan Kujur
- Forwards: Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Selvam Karthi, Mandeep Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Aditya Arjun Lalage
This squad represents India's strategic approach to the Pro League, combining the reliability of experienced players with the energy and potential of rising stars. The selection reflects careful consideration of recent performances across domestic and international competitions, setting the stage for an exciting tournament in Rourkela.
