Hockey India name 24-member India squad for FIH Men’s Pro League Rourkela leg

Hockey India on Saturday announced a 24-member Indian Men’s Hockey Team for the Rourkela leg of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025–26, scheduled to be played from February 10 to 15 at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium.

India will host two of the world’s strongest teams, Belgium and Argentina, in what promises to be a high-intensity opening leg on home soil.

The selected squad reflects a clear balance between experienced internationals and emerging talent, as India look to make a strong start to their Pro League campaign in front of home supporters.

Suraj Karkera and Pawan have been named as the goalkeepers, while the defensive unit is led by captain Harmanpreet Singh and includes Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sumit, Sanjay, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, and Amandeep Lakra.

Amandeep Lakra earns his call-up following a standout season in the recently concluded Men’s Hero Hockey India League, where he was adjudged the Hero Player of the Tournament, underlining his growing presence at the senior level.

India’s midfield features a mix of control, work rate, and creativity, with Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Hardik Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, and Rosan Kujur included in the squad.

Among the notable inclusions is 21-year-old Rosan Kujur from Odisha, who receives his maiden senior call-up. Kujur was part of the Indian Junior team that won bronze at the FIH Junior World Cup 2025 in Chennai and played a key role for Vedanta Kalinga Lancers during their Hero Hockey India League title-winning campaign.

Manmeet Singh has also been rewarded for his consistent performances. The Punjab midfielder was another member of the Junior World Cup bronze-winning side and impressed during his stint with HIL GC in the domestic league.

The forward line will be led by a familiar mix of pace and finishing ability. Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Selvam Karthi, Mandeep Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, and Aditya Arjun Lalage have been named to shoulder the attacking responsibilities against top-quality opposition.

Speaking on the squad selection, Indian men’s team chief coach Craig Fulton said the focus was on striking the right balance.

“It’s an exciting mix of youth and experience,” Fulton said. “We have young talents coming through alongside senior players who bring valuable experience. Belgium and Argentina are quality sides, but we believe in our abilities and are focused on delivering our best performances.”

With strong home support expected in Rourkela, India will look to build momentum early in the season against two elite hockey nations. All India matches from the Rourkela leg of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025–26 will be broadcast live on Star Sports Khel.

India – 24-member squad for FIH Men’s Pro League 2025–26 (Rourkela Leg):

Goalkeepers:

Suraj Karkera, Pawan

Defenders:

Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Sanjay, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Amandeep Lakra

Midfielders:

Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Hardik Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Rosan Kujur

Forwards:

Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Selvam Karthi, Mandeep Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Aditya Arjun Lalage