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India Squad Announced for FIH Hockey World Cup 2026: The Indian men's hockey team is ready to step onto the global stage once again, aiming to make history and end a long 50-year wait. Hockey India has announced a strong 20-member squad for the upcoming FIH Men's Hockey World Cup. The team will be led by experienced defender and star drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh.
India last won the Hockey World Cup title in 1975. Consequently, the hopes of the nation will rest heavily on captain Harmanpreet Singh, who previously led the team to a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Perfect Blend of Experience and Youth
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The team management has sought to strike an excellent balance between experienced and young players. Manpreet Singh, one of India's most seasoned players, will play a pivotal role in the midfield; he will not only control the game but also mentor the team's younger players.
Expressing full confidence in the squad selection, Head Coach Craig Fulton described the team as a fantastic blend of experience and youthful energy. He emphasized that the players were selected based on their recent performance and form, rather than merely their reputations or stature.
Overcoming the FIH Pro League Setback
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The Indian team's performance in the recently concluded European leg of the FIH Pro League fell short of expectations. Out of 16 matches in the tournament, India won only four, drew five, and suffered defeat in seven. The Indian team finished eighth in the nine-team standings.
The team management and players will now aim to put the disappointment of the Pro League behind them and make a strong comeback at the World Cup.
Squad Changes: 4 Key Players Left Out
Four players who were part of the Pro League squad have not been included in the final 20-member team selected for the World Cup.
Players left out
- Defender: Amandeep Lakra
- Midfielders: Raj Kumar Pal, Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem
- Forward: Selvam Karthi
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India 20-Member Squad for FIH Men's Hockey World Cup
The full Indian squad announced for the World Cup campaign is as follows:
Goalkeepers
- Mohit HS
- Suraj Karkera
Defenders
- Harmanpreet Singh (Captain)
- Jarmanpreet Singh
- Amit Rohidas
- Jugraj Singh
- Sanjay
- Sumit
- Yashdeep Siwach
Midfielders
- Manpreet Singh
- Hardik Singh
- Vivek Sagar Prasad
- Nilakanta Sharma
- Rajinder Singh
- Aditya Arjun Lalage
Forwards
- Mandeep Singh
- Dilpreet Singh
- Abhishek
- Sukhjeet Singh
- Shilanand Lakra
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