India Prepares for FIH Pro League 2024-25-Hockey India Names a 32-member Men's Team for Bhubaneswar Games

Hockey India has announced a 32-player squad for the Indian men's hockey team for the Bhubaneswar leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25. The much-awaited matches will be played at the prestigious Kalinga Hockey Stadium from February 15 to 25, where India will clash with tough opponents, including Spain, Germany, Ireland, and England. Each opponent will be played twice in what promises to be an intense and action-packed tournament.

A perfect mix of experience and fresh talent

The selected squad is a well-balanced mix between veterans and promising young players. Experienced campaigners have been headlined by seasoned dragflicker Harmanpreet Singh, who will be captaining the team along with vicecaptaincy responsibilities by Hardik Singh. This becomes the perfect blend that brings together defensive solidity, midfield control, and great leadership to the team.

Among the goalkeepers, it seems an uncompromising choice for sure-footed Krishan Bahadur Pathak. Suraj Karkera and emerging Princedeep Singh will be good supports. Both of them possess a lot of agility and sharp reflexes.

The side anticipates bright, dependable players: Jarmanpreet Singh; Amit Rohidas; Sumit; Sanjay; Jugraj Singh; Nilam Sanjeep Xess; Varun Kumar; and Yashdeep Siwach in defense; this will bolster India to become rock-solid against the best-attacking skills in the world, which ensures that the end line for Indian becomes a real contributor in every play from front.

Midfield will have creativity, control, and versatility with the core group being Rajkumar Pal, Shamsher Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Nilakanta Sharma, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, and Rajinder Singh. Their game strategy for India will rely on quick transition between attack and defense.

India has prepared strong force in the fore line, including players such as Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Mandeep Singh, Gurjant Singh, Boby Singh Dhami, Shilanand Lakra, Dilpreet Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Uttam Singh, Angad Bir Singh, and Arshdeep Singh. With a combination of pace, skills, and finishing ability, this will press the opposing defenses from start to finish in the tournament.

Debutants Ready to Make an Impact

Amongst the two newcomers are 22-year-old Angad Bir Singh and 20-year-old Arshdeep Singh, who would be making their senior international debuts. The duo has made great strides for the junior teams and in Hockey India League to date. That speaks volumes for Hockey India and the promise shown in the talent pipeline for the future of Indian hockey.

Coach Craig Fulton Optimistic About Team's Potential

Indian men's head coach Craig Fulton was optimistic about the squad selection. He said, "I was optimistic about this squad, not just because they are young and full of life, but the right blend of experience, youth, and technical ability to deliver against world-class opposition.".

"I am really pleased with the side we have prepared for FIH Pro League matches in Bhubaneswar. The side can put up strong performances and play a cohesive, attacking brand of hockey. We want to make a good start to the campaign, " said Fulton, who was also an adequate vice-captain.

He further stated, "Over the last couple of weeks or so, I have watched closely these players. I would certainly love to watch them in competition against the rest of the world. The Pro League is, therefore, going to be an excellent challenge to some of the best teams there are around the world."

  A Must-Cricket-Event for the Hopes of India Hockey

The FIH Pro League is one of the most important tournaments for India before any big global events. A leg here in Bhubaneswar will let them work on their game strategy, try out different combinations, and first-hand see how they can play against the might of world hockey powerhouses.

The Indian team will look to deliver quality performances on their home turf at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium, backed by home crowds. The tournament also marks a milestone for players looking to break into the national side ahead of the much-awaited international tournaments.

Squad List

Goalkeeper

Krishan Bahadur Pathak

Suraj Karkera

Princedeep Singh

Defense

Jarmanpreet Singh

Amit Rohidas

Harmanpreet Singh

Sumit

Sanjay

Jugraj Singh

Nilam Sanjeep Xess

Varun Kumar

Yashdeep Siwach

Midfield

Rajkumar Pal

Shamsher Singh

Manpreet Singh

Hardik Singh

Vivek Sagar Prasad

Nilakanta Sharma

Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh

Rajinder Singh

Forwards:

Abhishek

Sukhjeet Singh

Lalit Kumar Upadhyay

Mandeep Singh

Gurjant Singh

Boby Singh Dhami

Shilanand Lakra

Dilpreet Singh

Araijeet Singh Hundal

Uttam Singh

Angad Bir Singh

Arshdeep Singh

Matches to Watch for

With a well-balanced team, India is all set to deliver spectacular performances in the Bhubaneswar leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25. The Indian team will be seen playing some high-energy contests against some of the best hockey nations in the world. The tournament would not only be a test of skill and strategy but would also be a testament to the growing prowess of India in international hockey.