Harmanpreet Singh, the seasoned drag-flicker, is set to lead India's men's hockey team during their FIH Pro League fixtures in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. These games are vital for the team's buildup toward the Paris Olympics. Hardik Singh will step up as the deputy captain in the 24-player squad announced by Hockey India on Thursday. The action kicks off in Bhubaneswar from February 10–16 and continues in Rourkela from February 19–25. India will take on Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, and Ireland twice each, starting their journey with a clash against Spain on Sunday, February 10.
Harmanpreet Singh, a veteran drag-flicker, will lead the Indian men’s hockey team in the upcoming FIH Pro League matches in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, which are imperative to the squad’s preparation for this year’s Paris Olympics. Midfielder Hardik Singh will serve as Harmanpreet’s deputy, as Hockey India announced the 24-member squad for the double-leg fixtures on Thursday. The Bhubaneswar leg will begin on February 10 and end on February 16, while the Rourkela leg will start on February 19 and end on February 25. India will play Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, and Ireland twice each in both legs. The hosts will kick off their campaign against Spain on February 10, Sunday.
The selection was largely anticipated, with striker Boby Dhami and goalkeeper Pawan missing the cut from the squad that recently visited South Africa. PR Sreejesh and Krishan Bahadur Pathak will be the primary guardians of the net. Meanwhile, the defense will be anchored by Harmanpreet, Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, Sumit, Sanjay, Jugraj Singh, and Vishnukant Singh.
Commanding the midfield will be Hardik, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Shamsher Singh, Rajkumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, and Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem. The forward line is a blend of seasoned pros and emerging talent, featuring Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Mandeep Singh, Gurjant Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, Akashdeep Singh, and Araijeet Singh Hundal, the latter of whom recently debuted during the South Africa tour.
Chief coach Craig Fulton explained that the squad was carefully put together to balance veteran experience with youthful energy, aiming to create a cohesive team capable of competing at the elite level. He noted that the FIH Pro League is the perfect environment to test their tactics against the world's best. Furthermore, the former South African player emphasized the league's high stakes, as the winners secure a direct ticket to the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup.
Fulton added that the competition allows the coaching staff to identify specific areas for improvement, making it a cornerstone of their Olympic preparations. He expressed confidence that this high-level exposure would boost the team's performance and prepare them for the challenges ahead.
In other news, the Indian team secured a thrilling 6-4 victory over Egypt on Wednesday, claiming fifth place at the FIH Hockey5s Men’s World Cup. The match highlighted India's agility and defensive strength in the fast-paced Hockey5s format.