New Delhi: India has officially announced a 20 member squad for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup, scheduled to begin on August 15. The team will be led by ace drag flicker and defender Harmanpreet Singh, who previously guided India to a historic bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In a significant tactical shakeup, team management has dropped four prominent players who recently featured in the European leg of the Pro League. Defender Amandeep Lakra, midfielders Raj Kumar Pal and Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, along with forward Selvam Karthi, have missed the cut for the prestigious tournament.
This squad overhaul follows a highly disappointing outing in the FIH Pro League last month. The Indian contingent managed only four victories, secured five draws, and suffered seven defeats, ultimately finishing in a dismal eighth position. The national side will be desperate to improve upon their ninth place finish in the 2023 World Cup and end a title drought that has persisted since their sole World Cup victory in 1975.
The newly announced roster features a strong blend of seasoned campaigners and fresh talent. Veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh will anchor the center alongside Hardik Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad. The defensive line appears solid with Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, and Yashdeep Siwach supporting captain Harmanpreet. Goalkeeping duties have been entrusted to Mohit HS and Suraj Karkera, while the attack will be spearheaded by Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, and Sukhjeet Singh.
India has been drawn into a highly competitive Pool D alongside England, Pakistan, and Wales. All group stage matches will take place in Amstelveen, Netherlands. The Men in Blue will kick off their campaign against Wales on August 15. This will be followed by a crucial clash against England on August 17, leading up to a high voltage encounter against traditional rivals Pakistan on August 19.
The national squad carries the hopes of millions of hockey fans, aiming to restore India’s past glory on the global stage.