Hockey India on Thursday announced a 33-member core probable group for the senior men’s national coaching camp, which will be held in Rourkela from February 1 to 7. The camp is a key step in India’s preparations for the upcoming phase of the FIH Men’s Pro League.
The selected group will train at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, which is also set to host the home leg of the Pro League from February 10 to 15. This stretch of matches will mark the Indian men’s team’s first competitive campaign of the year.
The 33-member squad features a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents across all positions. Among the goalkeepers named are Pawan, Suraj Karkera, M.H. Shashikumar and Princedeep Singh, providing depth and competition in the last line of defence.
The defensive unit includes several familiar names such as Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh and Sumit, alongside P.C. Boby, Yashdeep Siwach, Nilam Sandeep Xess and Amandeep Lakra. This group is expected to focus on structure, penalty-corner defence and outlet play during the week-long camp.
In midfield, Hockey India has called up Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Hardik Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Vishnu Kant Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma and Rosan Kujur. The midfielders will play a crucial role in linking defence and attack as India gears up for the fast-paced demands of the Pro League.
The forward line is well-stocked, with Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Mandeep Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Angad Bir Singh, Uttam Singh, Selvam Karthi, Aditya Arjun Lalage and Maninder Singh all included in the core group. The camp is expected to sharpen attacking combinations, pressing patterns and finishing in the final third.
With the home leg of the Pro League approaching, the camp in Rourkela assumes added importance. Playing in familiar conditions and in front of home supporters, India will aim to make a strong start to the year and build momentum early in the international season.
The coaching camp will conclude just days before the opening match, allowing the team management to finalise combinations and assess player readiness ahead of a demanding run of fixtures on home soil.
