New Delhi is buzzing with hockey excitement as Hockey India unveils a 33-player probable core group for the senior men’s national camp. Set to kick off from February 1 to 7 in Rourkela, Odisha, this intensive training session is the crucial precursor to the FIH Men’s Pro League’s upcoming leg from February 10 to 15 at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium.
This home leg marks India’s first major campaign of the year, coming right after the thrilling Hero Hockey India League (HIL). The league provided players with invaluable competitive edge, allowing young talents to rub shoulders with international stars and sharpen their skills against top-tier opposition.
Head Coach Craig Fulton emphasized the strategic timing of this camp. ‘Post-HIL, it’s the perfect moment to refresh the squad,’ he stated. ‘We’re managing workloads by resting some seniors while rewarding those who seized their opportunities. The Rourkela and Hobart Pro League phases are pivotal in finalizing teams for the World Cup and Asian Games.’
The squad boasts a balanced mix across positions. Goalkeepers include Pawan, Suraj Karkera, Mohit Honnenahalli Shashikumar, and Prince Deep Singh. Defenders feature stalwarts like Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sumit, Poovanna Chandura Bobby, Yashdeep Siwach, Nilam Sanjeep Jes, and Amandeep Lakra.
Midfield is powered by Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Hardik Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Vishnu Kant Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, and Roshan Kujur. Forwards comprise Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Mandeep Singh, Arjit Singh Hundal, Angad Bir Singh, Uttam Singh, Selvam Karthi, Aditya Arjun Lalgune, and Maninder Singh.
As India eyes glory on home turf, this camp promises to fine-tune strategies and unearth potential stars, setting the stage for a dominant Pro League performance and beyond.