Sanjay to captain India in New Zealand hockey series marking 100 years of ties
Synopsis
A century after Major Dhyan Chand's Indian Army team first toured New Zealand in 1926, India returns with a development squad captained by Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist Sanjay. The three-match Auckland series is as much a talent assessment exercise as it is a historic commemoration — and Craig Fulton will be watching closely.
Key Takeaways
Sanjay , Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist, will captain the 20-member Indian men's hockey squad on the New Zealand tour.
The tour runs from 15 to 23 November 2026 , with three matches at the Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium in Auckland on 19, 21, and 22 November .
The series marks 100 years since an Indian Army hockey team featuring Major Dhyan Chand first toured New Zealand in 1926 .
The squad blends Under-21 prospects and India A players, with chief coach Craig Fulton using the matches to assess emerging talent.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey and secretary general Bhola Nath Singh both highlighted the tour's historical and developmental significance.
Olympic bronze medallist Sanjay will captain a 20-member Indian men's hockey squad on a tour of New Zealand from 15 to 23 November 2026, as the two nations mark a century of sporting partnership. Hockey India announced the squad on Monday for a three-match series, with all fixtures scheduled at the Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium in Auckland on 19, 21, and 22 November.
A Century in the Making
The tour carries a formal title: the '2026 India/New Zealand Century of Sporting Unity Event – 100 Years of Unity Between India and New Zealand through Sports Partnership'. The occasion traces its roots to 1926, when an Indian Army hockey team featuring legendary Major Dhyan Chand became the first Indian team from any sport to tour New Zealand. That historic visit, a century on, now provides the symbolic backdrop for this series.
Squad Composition and Purpose
The touring party blends Under-21 prospects with players from the current India A group. Chief Coach Craig Fulton described the selection philosophy clearly: 'The squad is a blend of some upcoming under-21 players and the core of the current India A group. These matches come at the right time to challenge the squad in three matches against a solid New Zealand team playing at home.'
The squad comprises two goalkeepers, six defenders, seven midfielders, and five forwards. Sanjay, who was part of India's bronze-medal-winning unit at the Paris 2024 Olympics, leads the side from his position as a defender.
What Hockey India Said
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey framed the tour as both a celebratory and developmental exercise. 'The New Zealand tour is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate 100 years of sporting friendship between our nations. I am confident our young players will make the most of this experience and showcase Indian hockey's talent and potential,' Tirkey said.
Secretary general Bhola Nath Singh echoed the sentiment, calling it 'immense historical significance' and noting the platform it would provide for young players to demonstrate 'their readiness for future challenges.'
Full Squad and Fixtures
Goalkeepers: Mohith HS, Pawan.
Defenders: Talem Priyobarta, Sanjay (captain), Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Sharda Nand Tiwari, Anmol Ekka, Yashdeep Siwach.
Midfielders: Angad Bir Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Rabichandra Singh, Vishnukant Singh, Manmeet Singh, Rosan Kujur, Venkatesh Kenche.
Forwards: Ajeet Yadav, Uttam Singh, Karthi Selvam, Arshdeep Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal.
Tour fixtures (IST):
19 November: 11:00 am
21 November: 8:30 am
22 November: 6:30 am
The series will serve as an important assessment window ahead of the next international cycle, with the coaching staff watching closely to see which young players are ready to graduate to senior duties.
Point of View
But the real subtext here is a talent pipeline audit. With the senior side firmly settled post-Paris, Fulton is using this series to pressure-test the next tier — the Under-21 and India A players who must bridge the gap before the next Olympic cycle. The 1926 Dhyan Chand connection adds historical weight, but what matters is whether any of these 20 names emerge from Auckland with a credible case for senior selection.
NationPress
9 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will captain India in the New Zealand hockey series?
Olympic bronze medallist Sanjay will captain the Indian men's hockey squad for the three-match series in New Zealand. He is a defender and was part of India's bronze-medal-winning team at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
When and where are the India vs New Zealand hockey matches being played?
All three matches will be played at the Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium in Auckland on 19, 21, and 22 November 2026. The IST timings are 11:00 am, 8:30 am, and 6:30 am respectively.
Why is the 2026 India-New Zealand hockey tour historically significant?
The tour marks 100 years since the first Indian sports team — an Indian Army hockey unit featuring Major Dhyan Chand — toured New Zealand in 1926. The series has been formally titled the '2026 India/New Zealand Century of Sporting Unity Event' to commemorate that milestone.
What is the composition of India's hockey squad for the New Zealand tour?
The 20-member squad includes two goalkeepers, six defenders, seven midfielders, and five forwards. It is a mix of Under-21 prospects and India A players, with chief coach Craig Fulton focused on evaluating young talent against senior international opposition.
What is the aim of selecting a development squad for this tour?
Chief coach Craig Fulton said the matches provide the right opportunity to challenge the squad against a solid New Zealand team at home. Hockey India's leadership has emphasised that the tour will help young players gain international experience and demonstrate readiness for future senior duties.
