India announces 24-member hockey squad for FIH Men’s Pro League in Rourkela

Hockey India on Thursday announced a 24-member Indian men’s hockey squad for the opening Rourkela leg of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26 , scheduled from February 10 to 15 at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, Odisha. The home leg will feature top international teams Belgium and Argentina , giving fans a chance to witness world-class hockey on Indian soil.

The squad was trimmed from a probables list of 33 players that participated in a coaching camp last month. Chief coach Craig Fulton called it “an exciting mix of youth and experience,” highlighting young talents like Rosan Kujur , Manmeet Singh , and Amandeep , alongside senior players from the India A setup. “Belgium and Argentina are quality sides, but we believe in our abilities and are focused on delivering our best performances,” he said.

Goalkeeping duties will be handled by Suraj Karkera and Pawan, while the defensive line includes captain Harmanpreet Singh , Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sumit, Sanjay, and Nilam Sanjeep Xess. Amandeep Lakra , who was named Player of the Tournament in the recent Hockey India League, has also earned a place in the squad.

The midfield will be led by Rajinder Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Hardik Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, and two promising youngsters, Manmeet Singh and Rosan Kujur . Kujur, 21, makes his senior debut after helping India win bronze at the FIH Junior World Cup 2025 and starring for Vedanta Kalinga Lancers in the domestic league. Manmeet Singh, another Junior World Cup bronze medallist, adds creativity and energy to the midfield.

India’s forward line includes Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Selvam Karthi, Mandeep Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, and Aditya Arjun Lalage, combining experienced finishers with dynamic young attackers. The team, which finished eighth out of nine teams last season, opens its campaign against Belgium on February 11, followed by Argentina on February 12, with return fixtures on February 14 and 15.

After the home leg, India travels to Hobart to face Spain on February 21 and 24 and Australia on February 22 and 25. The European leg of the tournament is scheduled for June.

The FIH Men’s Pro League is an annual, season-long event organized by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) , featuring the world’s top national teams in a round-robin format. Introduced in 2019, it replaced the World League and serves as a platform for teams to build consistency, test strategies, and prepare for major tournaments like the Men’s Hockey World Cup and the Olympics.

For India, the Pro League is a vital opportunity to integrate young talent, measure themselves against elite teams, and set the tone for the international season ahead.