Four rising stars of the Indian Men's Hockey Team are poised to make their mark at the FIH Hockey Men's World Cup 2026, to be held across Belgium and the Netherlands, as India's 20-player squad blends experienced campaigners with a new generation hungry for success. Goalkeeper Mohith HS, defender Yashdeep Siwach, and midfielders Rajinder Singh and Aditya Arjun Lalage — all in their early twenties — have earned their places on merit and are determined to contribute to India's bid to end a 51-year World Cup drought.

Lalage and Rajinder: Midfield's New Energy

Attacking midfielder Aditya Arjun Lalage, 23, brings pace and technical skill to a midfield that will be central to India's attacking ambitions. For him, the tournament represents the fulfilment of a lifelong aspiration.

'Playing in the World Cup has been a childhood dream of mine, and being part of the squad is a very special feeling. Right now, my focus is on making the most of this opportunity by giving my 100 per cent in every training session and every match. I want to contribute in whatever way the team needs me to,' Lalage said.

He credited the senior players and coaching staff for shaping his growth. 'The senior players and coaches have always guided me on what I can improve, and that has given me a lot of confidence. Everyone in the camp is working hard every day. We all have the same mindset of giving our best for India,' he added.

Fellow midfielder Rajinder Singh, also 23, has quickly established himself with his energetic presence and physical strength. Rajinder pointed to team unity as India's defining edge. 'What makes this team special is the connection we share. We communicate constantly on the field, but that bond is just as strong off the field as well. Everyone puts in the effort for each other, and if someone makes a mistake, there's always a teammate ready to cover for him. I think that unity is one of our biggest strengths,' he said.

Siwach Anchors a Formidable Defence

Yashdeep Siwach, 25, has been put through his paces in an intensive pre-tournament camp alongside senior defenders including captain Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, and Amit Rohidas. The preparation, he said, has been relentless.

'The preparation for the World Cup has been really intense. We've worked hard on every aspect of our game, from fitness and strength to the smallest technical and tactical details. Every camp has pushed us to raise our standards and bring out the best in each other,' Siwach said.

He also highlighted how learning from India's experienced defenders has been transformative. 'Having experienced players around me has made a huge difference. They're always willing to share their experiences and guide me through the finer details of the game, which has helped me build confidence. Everyone understands their role and responsibility, and we're excited for the challenge ahead,' Siwach added.

Mohith HS: From Bengaluru Sidelines to World Cup Spotlight

Perhaps the most compelling story belongs to goalkeeper Mohith HS, who watched the previous World Cup from the junior national camp in Bengaluru and is now set to play in one. His journey from spectator to participant encapsulates the generational shift underway in Indian hockey.

'I still remember watching the last World Cup from the junior national camp in Bengaluru. At that point, I always believed I would one day represent India at a major tournament, although I didn't expect the opportunity to come this soon. It's a very special feeling to now be part of the World Cup squad,' Mohith said.

He spoke about his development since the Junior World Cup. 'From the Junior World Cup to now, I feel I've grown a lot as a goalkeeper, both physically and technically. I've always tried to learn from the coaches and senior players, whether it's improving the finer details or preparing for situations like shootouts. We have a great balance of experienced and young players, and everyone understands their role within the team,' he added.

India's Pool D Campaign: Wales, England, Pakistan

India have been drawn in Pool D and open their campaign against Wales on 15 August, before facing England on 17 August and a high-stakes clash against Pakistan on 19 August. The fixtures present a stern early test, with the India-Pakistan tie guaranteed to draw enormous attention. India last won the Hockey World Cup in 1975, and the young squad is acutely aware of the weight of that history as they prepare to write a new chapter.