Hockey India on Thursday named a 33-member core probable group for the senior men’s national coaching camp, set to take place in Rourkela from February 1 to 7, as preparations gather pace for the upcoming phase of the FIH Men’s Pro League.
The camp forms a key part of India’s build-up to the home leg of the Pro League, scheduled at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela from February 10 to 15. The tournament will mark India’s first major assignment of the year.
The squad has been picked after the conclusion of the Hockey India League, which offered valuable match exposure to senior players while allowing emerging talents to test themselves alongside top international names. The goalkeeping group for the camp includes Pawan, Suraj Karkera, Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar and Princedeep Singh.
India’s defensive unit features Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sumit, Poovanna Chandura Boby, Yashdeep Siwach, Nilam Sanjeep Xess and Amandeep Lakra.
The midfield contingent comprises Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Hardik Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Vishnu Kant Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma and Rosan Kujur.
Completing the group are the forwards Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Mandeep Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Angad Bir Singh, Uttam Singh, Selvam Karthi, Aditya Arjun Lalage and Maninder Singh.
Explaining the approach behind the selection, chief coach Craig Fulton said, “Post the Hockey India League, we felt this was the right time to rotate the squad. We’ve rested a few senior players to manage workload, while rewarding performances from players who’ve earned their opportunity.”
“The Pro League legs in Rourkela and Hobart are an important part of the selection process as we move towards finalising the World Cup and Asian Games squad,” Fulton added.
Probables list:
Goalkeepers: Pawan, Suraj Karkera, Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar, Princedeep Singh
Defenders: Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sumit, Poovanna Chandura Boby, Yashdeep Siwach, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Amandeep Lakra
Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Hardik Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Vishnu Kant Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Rosan Kujur
Forwards: Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Mandeep Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Angad Bir Singh, Uttam Singh, Selvam Karthi, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Maninder Singh