Who Are the 33 Players Selected for Hockey India’s Senior Men’s National Camp?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 33-member core group announced for training camp.
- Camp scheduled in Bengaluru from July 14 to August 7.
- Preparation for Asia Cup and World Cup qualifications.
- Coaching staff emphasizes improvement in finishing.
- Exciting mix of youth and experience in the squad.
Bengaluru, July 10 (NationPress) Hockey India has officially announced a 33-member core group of potential players for the senior men’s national training camp, which is set to take place at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru from July 14 to August 7.
This upcoming camp is a vital preparation stage for the Indian team as they prepare for two significant international events: the tour to Australia and the highly anticipated Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar 2025, scheduled from August 29 to September 7. The Asian Cup winner will secure direct entry into the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2026.
Despite a less-than-stellar performance in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 season in Europe, where India managed only one victory in eight matches and finished in eighth place, the coaching staff is determined to regain momentum and tackle key areas before the upcoming competitions.
The goalkeeping squad remains unchanged, with Krishan B Pathak, Suraj Karkera, Pawan, and Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar continuing their roles in the net.
The defensive line will be led by Sumit, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Amandeep Lakra, Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, and Yashdeep Siwach.
The midfield presents a mix of youth and experience, featuring Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Poovanna Chandura Boby, Rajinder Singh, Vishnu Kant Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, and Shamsher Singh.
The forward line carries significant offensive strength with Gurjant Singh, Abhishek, Shilanand Lakra, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Selvam Karthi, Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Uttam Singh, and Angad Bir Singh all included in the camp.
In a statement prior to the camp, chief coach of the Indian Men’s Hockey Team, Craig Fulton, remarked, “Looking back at our Pro League matches in Europe, we believed the squad performed well in each game, but our finishing was lacking — an area we previously excelled in Bhubaneswar. This is something we need to enhance.”
“Our objectives for this upcoming training camp are straightforward — to continue developing our ‘defend to counter to win’ strategy. There’s still work ahead, but it’s an exhilarating time as we prepare for the Asia Cup in Bihar. Winning this tournament would grant us direct qualification for the World Cup, which is a significant motivator for all of us,” he added.
The complete list of the 33-member senior men's camp is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Krishan B Pathak, Suraj Karkera, Pawan, Mohith H S.
Defenders: Sumit, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Yashdeep Siwach, Amandeep Lakra.
Midfielders: Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh, Rajinder Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Shamsher Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Poovanna CB, Vishnukant Singh.
Forwards: Gurjant Singh, Abhishek, Shilanand Lakra, Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Aditya Arjun Lagage, Selvam Karthi, Uttam Singh, Angad Bir Singh.