Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 29: Hockey India on Thursday announced a 33-member core probable group for the senior men’s national coaching camp, scheduled to be held in Rourkela, Odisha, from February 1 to 7.
The camp is a key part of India’s preparations for the upcoming phase of the FIH Men’s Pro League, which will be staged at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, Rourkela, from February 10 to 15. The home leg will also mark India’s first campaign of the year.
The squad has been selected following the recently concluded Hero Hockey India League, which offered valuable competitive exposure to senior players while allowing young prospects to test themselves alongside top international talent.
The goalkeeping group for the camp includes Pawan, Suraj Karkera, Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar, and Princedeep Singh.
The defensive unit features Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sumit, Poovanna Chandura Boby, Yashdeep Siwach, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, and Amandeep Lakra.
In midfield, the probables are Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Hardik Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Vishnu Kant Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, and Rosan Kujur.
The forward line is made up of Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Mandeep Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Angad Bir Singh, Uttam Singh, Selvam Karthi, Aditya Arjun Lalage, and Maninder Singh.
Speaking ahead of the camp, chief coach Craig Fulton said the selection reflected a balance between workload management and rewarding recent performances.
“Post the Hero 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 those who have earned their opportunity. The Pro League legs in Rourkela and Hobart will be crucial as we move towards finalising our squads for the World Cup and Asian Games,” Fulton said.
The Rourkela camp and the subsequent Pro League matches will play an important role in shaping India’s plans for major international tournaments later in the year.