New Delhi, Feb 18 (NationPress) Indian men's hockey forward Angad Bir Singh has been included in the 24-member roster for the Hobart segment of the FIH Pro League 2025-26, signifying his return to international play after nearly a year. He has not competed for the senior team since his debut against Ireland during the FIH Pro League 2024–25 season in Bhubaneswar.

These upcoming matches will mark Angad's first international assignment overseas, as the 23-year-old forward aims to leave a lasting impression following months of dedicated training.

Describing this opportunity as special, Angad expressed his enthusiasm for representing India once again on the world stage. “I am thrilled about this chance because I have been training hard and waiting for my moment. When the call came, I was overjoyed. Now my goal is to prove myself and perform well for India.”

Reflecting on his return to the national jersey, he characterized the experience as deeply emotional. “Returning to the national squad after a year is an entirely different sensation. Jumping straight into an international competition makes it even more significant and motivating.”

India will confront formidable opponents, including Australia and Spain, in Hobart, and Angad is confident that the team's preparations have been meticulously crafted for the challenges that lie ahead.

“Our preparation has been exceptional since the national camp in India. Training sessions have been designed with Australia and Spain in mind, as they employ a robust man-to-man defense. The intensity has been high, focusing heavily on fitness and match readiness,”

he detailed.

Despite a challenging previous leg for the Indian team in Rourkela, Angad emphasized that the squad is maintaining a positive outlook.

“Everyone experiences tough times, but our focus is on positivity and maintaining our standards. Our aim is to win all four matches here. We are prioritizing our performance over past results,”

he added.

Angad also noted that adapting to the conditions in Australia has been relatively seamless due to similar weather conditions. “The climate here is quite comfortable and similar to Bengaluru — not too hot or cold — which has facilitated our adjustment and allowed us to concentrate fully on training and preparations,” he commented.

During his absence from the national squad, Angad remained involved with the national training group in Bengaluru and participated in several exposure tours with India A, collaborating closely with coaches to refine specific elements of his game.

“The coaches identified areas for improvement, and I took their feedback seriously. I focused on enhancing my speed and skills. I remained patient, believing that continued improvement would lead to another opportunity,”

he shared.

His impressive performances in the recent Hockey India League 2025-26, where he secured the title with Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, were pivotal in earning his recall, with coaching staff recognizing his advancement.

“The HIL was crucial for me as it allowed me to participate in high-caliber matches and learn from seasoned international players. I worked on the areas the coaches highlighted, and I was pleased that the coaching staff acknowledged my progress and trusted me with another chance in the Indian team,”

he remarked.

Regarding his position on the field, Angad revealed that he prefers playing as a striker, where he can leverage his speed and attacking instincts.

“I enjoy playing as a striker or winger because it enables me to use my pace, attack aggressively, and create penalty corners for the team. This is one of my strengths, and I aim to contribute in this manner for India,”

he stated.

For the forthcoming matches, the young player has set clear personal goals. “My aim is to assist the team by earning more penalty corners and minimizing mistakes. This marks the start of my journey, and I want to gain experience while contributing to the team's success.”

Angad acknowledged the support of senior teammates and experienced international players for his development both on and off the field. He specifically mentioned learning professional habits and match preparation by observing top players during the Hero Hockey India League.

“I gained significant insights by watching senior international players — their off-field management, recovery, diet, and training routines. I've made numerous adjustments to my preparation, and there will be a noticeable difference between last year's Angad and this year's Angad,”

he emphasized.

He also credited teammates Sanjay and Araijeet Singh Hundal for their support in maintaining a positive mindset during his journey back to the national team.

“They guided me to remain patient and trust the process. We motivated each other to return stronger,”

he added.

Facing top-ranked teams away from home excites the young forward, who believes that commitment and determination will be crucial. “It’s 11 against 11 on the field. The team that demonstrates greater commitment and determination will triumph. Our strategy is straightforward — stay confident, play our game, and strive to win all four matches,” Angad concluded.