After a strong return from injury through an impressive Hockey India League (HIL) campaign, India’s rising forward Araijeet Singh Hundal is set to feature in the upcoming FIH Men’s Pro League 2025–26 matches, scheduled from February 10 to 15 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium. India will open their campaign against Belgium on February 11.
Araijeet entered the HIL season after recovering from an injury sustained during training that forced him to miss the junior World Cup held in Tamil Nadu last year, where hosts India went on to claim the bronze medal.
Speaking about his recovery and comeback, the young forward said, “Missing the Junior World Cup due to my injury was very difficult for me mentally. The doctors suggested surgery, but I believed in my recovery and decided not to go for it. I focused completely on my rehab and exercises, and more than anything, it was about mentality. I was clear that I wanted to come back stronger, and I recovered quite quickly just in time for the HIL season.”
The forward enjoyed a productive stint with Ranchi Royals in the HIL, scoring three goals during the tournament, including one in the final, as the team finished runners-up. Araijeet credited the league for helping him rediscover rhythm and confidence after his time on the sidelines.
“The HIL season was very good for me, much better than last year. I needed two or three matches initially to settle in and boost my confidence but after that, I got my momentum and kept going. Reaching the Final with Ranchi Royals was a big thing for us and I really enjoyed the tournament. There were senior players and overseas players in our team and I learned a lot from them. Watching how they prepare and how they make decisions in pressure situations helped me improve my game,” he said.
Araijeet also spoke about the impact of playing alongside experienced forward Mandeep Singh at Ranchi Royals, a partnership that will continue in India’s forward line during the FIH Pro League.
“Playing with Mandeep bhai is always very helpful. He has been performing at the top level for many years, and whenever we make a tactical or technical mistake, we can approach him for guidance. He explains things very clearly—what to do and what to avoid. He is calm, approachable, and always willing to help the juniors, which makes it much easier for us to learn and improve,” Araijeet said.
The Rourkela leg of the FIH Pro League will see hosts India take on global heavyweights Argentina and Belgium. As preparations intensify for the home leg, Araijeet expressed confidence in the team’s training under head coach Craig Fulton.
“Our training sessions have been very productive, and the intensity has been excellent. This is a great opportunity for me to prove myself at the senior level. Craig Fulton has given me clear guidance as a forward, particularly on improving my awareness and decision-making inside the circle. I have noted those points, and before every match I make sure to revisit them and apply them in my game,” he said.
Looking ahead to the upcoming fixtures, the young forward outlined his immediate focus areas.
“Right now, I am focusing on two key areas. First, when I have the ball inside the circle, I want to avoid careless mistakes and look to create an active scoring opportunity or win a penalty corner for the team. Second is my discipline off the ball – staying alert, maintaining my positioning, and executing my role within the team structure,” he added.