Punjab Newsline,Sports:
Senior men’s national camp to be held in Rourkela from February 1 to 7 as India begin their first international campaign of the year
Hockey India has taken a key step towards preparations for the upcoming FIH Men’s Pro League by announcing a 33-member core probable group for the senior men’s national team. The national camp will be held in Rourkela, Odisha, from February 1 to 7, focusing on fitness, tactical planning and squad combinations.
The camp is part of India’s build-up to the FIH Men’s Pro League matches scheduled to take place at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela from February 10 to 15. The home leg of the Pro League will mark India’s first international assignment of the year, making it a crucial phase in the team’s annual calendar.
The squad has been selected after the conclusion of the Hero Hockey India League, which provided valuable match exposure to senior players while allowing younger prospects to showcase their talent alongside top international stars. Based on performances in the league, the selectors have aimed to strike a balance between experience and youth.
In the goalkeeping department, Pawan, Suraj Karkera, Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar and Princedeep Singh have been named. The defensive unit includes experienced campaigners such as captain Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh and Sanjay, along with Jugraj Singh, Sumit, Poovanna Chandura Boby, Yashdeep Siwach, Nilam Sanjeep Xess and Amandeep Lakra, giving the team depth and stability at the back.
The midfield features a strong mix of seasoned players and emerging talent, including Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Nilakanta Sharma, Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Vishnu Kant Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh and Rosan Kujur, all expected to play a key role in controlling the tempo of the game.
Up front, the attacking line boasts experienced forwards Mandeep Singh and Maninder Singh, supported by in-form players such as Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Angad Bir Singh, Uttam Singh, Selvam Karthi and Aditya Arjun Lalage.
Speaking ahead of the camp, chief coach Craig Fulton said the post-league period was the right time to rotate the squad. He explained that a few senior players have been rested to manage workload, while strong performers have been rewarded. Fulton added that the Pro League legs in Rourkela and Hobart will play an important role in finalising squads for major upcoming tournaments, including the World Cup and the Asian Games.
Overall, the Rourkela camp is expected to set the tone for India’s 2026 international hockey season and shape the team’s roadmap going forward.