New Delhi [India], July 21 (ANI): Hockey India on Monday announced its 20-member squad for the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026, scheduled to be held from Aug. 15-30, with head coach Craig Fulton expressing confidence that the team can “write its own chapter in Indian hockey history.”
Star defender and drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will captain the side, while veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh, India’s most-capped player, adds experience to a balanced squad featuring a blend of established players and emerging talent, according to a Hockey India press release.
“This is a well-balanced squad — the right mix of tournament experience and in-form youth who’ve earned their spot through performance, not reputation,” Fulton said.
The goalkeeping unit comprises Mohith HS and Suraj Karkera.
The defensive lineup includes Jarmanpreet Singh, captain Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, and Yashdeep Siwach.
The midfield will be anchored by Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, and Vivek Sagar Prasad, alongside Nilakanta Sharma and young talents Rajinder Singh and Aditya Arjun Lalage.
The forward line features Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, and Shilanand Lakra.
India has been drawn in Pool D alongside England, Pakistan, and Wales. All of its group-stage matches will be played in Amstelveen, Netherlands.
“‘Press, counter, perform’ isn’t just our tactical identity — it’s how this group trains and thinks together every single day. We are not getting ahead of ourselves — one game at a time, all in, is the mentality we’re taking into every match,” Fulton said.
India will open its campaign against Wales on Aug. 15 before facing England on Aug. 17 and archrival Pakistan on Aug. 19 in one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage.
“Fifty years since 1975 (World Cup win), this group has a chance to write its own chapter in Indian hockey history, and we are really excited about it,” Fulton said.
India squad for the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2026:
Goalkeepers: Mohith HS, Suraj Karkera
Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh (captain), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, Yashdeep Siwach
Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad
Forwards: Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sukhjeet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Abhishek. (ANI)
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