New Delhi: Hockey India has unveiled the much-anticipated 16-member Indian Men’s Hockey Team for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, scheduled from July 26th to August 11th, 2024. With five Olympic debutants, the team brings a fresh approach, driven by rigorous training at the ongoing national camp at the SAI Centre in Bengaluru.
The team will be led by ace drag-flicker and defender Harmanpreet Singh, with powerful midfielder Hardik Singh serving as Vice-Captain. Harmanpreet, set to play in his third Olympics, first appeared in the 2016 Rio Olympics as the youngest squad member and played a key role in securing the bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Amit Rohidas, the sole player from Odisha, joins the squad alongside newcomers Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Raj Kumar Pal, Abhishek, and Sukhjeet Singh, all set to make their Olympic debuts.
Veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and midfielder Manpreet Singh will be making their fourth Olympic appearances, adding valuable experience to the squad. The defensive lineup features Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Sumit, and Sanjay. The midfield includes Raj Kumar Pal, Shamsher Singh, Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, and Vivek Sagar Prasad. The forward line boasts Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Mandeep Singh, and Gurjant Singh.
Alternate athletes include goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak, midfielder Nilakanta Sharma, and defender Jugraj Singh.
Chief Coach Craig Fulton expressed confidence in the selected squad, stating, “The selection process for the Paris Olympics’ squad was incredibly competitive due to the depth of talent within our ranks. However, I am confident that every player chosen will bring their best to Paris. Each player has demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and resilience throughout our rigorous preparation phase. Our journey has been marked by unwavering commitment to excellence and a collective drive to elevate Indian hockey on the world stage.”
He added, “This squad embodies a perfect blend of experienced players and promising young talents, giving us the versatility and energy required to tackle the challenges ahead. Our focus has been on building a cohesive team that can adapt to different playing styles and situations, and I believe we have achieved that.”
As for the Paris 2024 Olympics, India is placed in Pool B alongside defending champions Belgium, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, and Ireland. To advance to the quarterfinals, the team must secure a top-four finish in their pool.
Pool A comprises the Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, South Africa, and host nation France, setting the stage for a highly competitive 12-team men’s hockey tournament.
The Indian Men’s Hockey Team will kick off their campaign on July 27th against New Zealand, followed by a match against Argentina on July 29th. They will then face Ireland and Belgium on July 30th and August 1st, respectively, with their final group stage game against Australia on August 2nd.
The Indian Men’s Hockey Team has a rich Olympic history, having secured an impressive 12 Olympic medals, including 8 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze medals. The Harmanpreet-led team will aim to add another medal to this illustrious tally in Paris.
Indian Men’s Hockey Team for Paris 2024 Olympics:
Goalkeepers:
- PR Sreejesh
Defenders:
- Jarmanpreet Singh
- Amit Rohidas
- Harmanpreet Singh
- Sumit
- Sanjay
Midfielders:
- Rajkumar Pal
- Shamsher Singh
- Manpreet Singh
- Hardik Singh
- Vivek Sagar Prasad
Forwards:
- Abhishek
- Sukhjeet Singh
- Lalit Kumar Upadhyay
- Mandeep Singh
- Gurjant Singh
Alternates:
- Nilakanta Sharma
- Jugraj Singh
- Krishan Bahadur Pathak (goalkeeper)