New Delhi: Hockey India on Sunday unveiled the 22-member Indian Men’s Hockey team set to compete in a highly anticipated two-match bilateral series against reigning World Champions Germany. The matches, scheduled for 23rd and 24th October at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, mark the return of international hockey to the national capital and are expected to draw significant attention.
The Indian team heads into the Power Finance Corporation (PFC) India vs Germany Bilateral Hockey Series fresh from a triumphant campaign at the Asian Champions Trophy in Hulunbuir, China, where they successfully defended their title. This victory saw India become the only team in the competition’s history to win the event five times since its inception in 2011.
Led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, with Vivek Sagar Prasad as vice-captain, the team will be missing dynamic midfielder Hardik Singh, who is currently in rehab following an injury sustained during the Paris Olympic Games. The series will see international debuts for promising talents Rajinder Singh and Aditya Arjun Lagate.
In goal, Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera will provide a strong last line of defense for India, while Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh, and Varun Kumar will anchor the defense. The midfield will feature experienced names such as Manpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, and Vishnu Kant Singh, alongside the debutants. Forward Mandeep Singh, who was rested during the Asian Champions Trophy, returns to the lineup and will join Sukhjeet Singh and Dilpreet Singh in the forward line.
Chief Coach Craig Fulton expressed his excitement about the upcoming series, stating, “India and Germany have shared a strong rivalry in recent years, and we are eager to play in the national capital next week. The team we’ve selected is experienced, with several players from the Paris Olympics squad, and we’re particularly excited for Rajinder and Aditya, who will make their international debut.”
The team is expected to arrive in New Delhi later this afternoon from Bengaluru, where they have been preparing for the series.
India Men’s Hockey Team for the Germany Bilateral Series:
Goalkeepers:
- Krishan Bahadur Pathak
- Suraj Karkera
Defenders:
- Jarmanpreet Singh
- Amit Rohidas
- Harmanpreet Singh (C)
- Varun Kumar
- Sanjay
- Sumit
- Nilam Sanjeep Xess
Midfielders:
- Manpreet Singh
- Vivek Sagar Prasad (VC)
- Vishnu Kant Singh
- Nilakanta Sharma
- Shamsher Singh
- Mohd. Raheel Mouseen
- Rajinder Singh
Forwards:
- Mandeep Singh
- Abhishek
- Sukhjeet Singh
- Aditya Arjun Lalage
- Dilpreet Singh
- Shilananda Lakra
The series against Germany is expected to be a thrilling contest, as India seeks to continue their recent success and build momentum ahead of future international tournaments.