Hockey India on Monday announced a 24-member men’s squad for the four-match tour of Australia, scheduled from August 15 to 21 in Perth. The exposure tour comes just days before the crucial Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar, beginning on August 29, which also serves as a qualifier for the Hockey World Cup.
The team will be led by ace dragflicker and defender Harmanpreet Singh, with goalkeepers Krishan Pathak and Suraj Karkera entrusted with duties under the bar. Karnataka’s Poovanna CB has been handed his first senior call-up, adding a fresh face to the defensive unit alongside experienced names like Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Sanjay, and Jugraj Singh.
In midfield, the spotlight falls on youngster Rajinder Singh, who has drawn comparisons to former India captain Sardar Singh for his composure and creativity. He will link up with stalwarts Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Raj Kumar Pal, Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, and Vishnu Kant Singh.
Up front, the forward line boasts a blend of experience and youth. Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, and Dilpreet Singh will provide attacking firepower, while Shilanand Lakra, Sukhjeet Singh, Selvam Karthi, and Aditya Lalage aim to make their mark.
Head coach Craig Fulton emphasized the importance of the tour in fine-tuning preparations for the Asia Cup. “We are heading to Perth to sharpen up ahead of the Asia Cup in Bihar. The focus will be on improving our physical conditioning and technical execution through quality training and warm-up matches,” Fulton said.
He further stressed the need to test young talent in competitive conditions. “We have brought in some younger players to give them valuable exposure and test combinations under pressure. This camp is a key part of our preparation and a chance to build individual and team momentum before competing at home,” he added.
The squad has been training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) campus in Bengaluru and will depart for Australia on August 8. With a busy calendar ahead, including the Asia Cup and the World Cup qualifiers, the upcoming tour is expected to provide crucial insights into India’s squad depth and tactical readiness.
Indian Men’s Hockey Team for Australia Tour
Goalkeepers: Krishan B Pathak, Suraj Karkera
Defenders: Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh (C), Sanjay, Amit Rohidas, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Jugraj Singh, Poovanna CB
Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, Vishnu Kant Singh
Forwards: Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Selvam Karthi, Aditya Lalage, Dilpreet Singh
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