New Delhi, May 22 (H.S.): Hockey India announced the 24-member Indian men’s hockey team for the European Leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 on Thursday. This phase will be played from June 7 to June 22, 2025, in Amstelveen, Netherlands, and Antwerp, Belgium.
The team once again will be led by the experienced drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh, while the powerful midfielder Hardik Singh will continue as vice-captain.
The Indian team will begin its European tour with two matches against the Netherlands on June 7 and 9, followed by clashes against Argentina on June 11 and 12. All these matches will be played at the Wagner Stadium in Amstelveen. After that, the team will face Australia in Antwerp on June 14 and 15, and finally, take on Belgium on June 21 and 22.
The team includes two goalkeepers, Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera. The defense features Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Neelam Sanjeep Zes, Germanpreet Singh, Sumit, Sanjay, and Yashdeep Sibach.
Midfield responsibilities are held by players like Raj Kumar Pal, Neelakanta Sharma, Rajinder Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, and Shamser Singh. Meanwhile, the forward line comprises aggressive players like Gurjant Singh, Abhishek, Shilanand Lakra, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Dilpreet Singh, and Sukhjeet Singh.
India earned 15 points by winning five out of eight matches played in the home leg earlier this year in Bhubaneswar, currently placing them third in the standings. The top team in this league will have a direct entry into the 2026 FIH World Cup, making it essential for the Indian team to gather as many points as possible during the European leg.
Head coach Craig Fulton commented on team selection, saying, We wanted a little more experience in the team this time, and I think the selection is spot on. The team has trained well and we are aiming to win the Pro League this time.
He also stated, So far, we haven’t drawn any matches, but we need to try to at least draw if we can’t win, to go to shootouts and gain some points. We also need to improve our penalty corner conversion rate.
Squad Composition:
Goalkeepers:
Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Suraj Karkera
Defenders:
Sumit, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Harmanpreet Singh (C), Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Yashdeep Siwach
Midfielders:
Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh (VC), Rajinder Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Shamsher Singh
Forwards:
Gurjant Singh, Abhishek, Shilanand Lakra, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Dilpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
