The Indian men’s hockey setup is gearing up for a major overseas assignment as the India A hockey team heads to Europe for a 12-day, 8-match tour from 8th to 20th July 2025.
This development tour will see the young and emerging stars of Indian hockey compete against strong European sides such as Ireland, France, England, Belgium, and the Netherlands an opportunity to gain invaluable international exposure and test the depth of India’s talent pool beyond the senior team.
Fixtures at a Glance
The schedule is packed and intense. India ‘A’ will play 8 matches in 13 days, beginning with a double-header against Ireland, followed by back-to-back games against France, and concluding with encounters against some of Europe’s finest hockey nations. All matches are set to be played in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Full Match Schedule (All timings in IST):
- Tuesday, 8th July – Ireland vs India ‘A’ | 9:30 PM | Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Wednesday, 9th July – Ireland vs India ‘A’ | 9:30 PM | Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Saturday, 12th July – France vs India ‘A’ | 2:00 PM | Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Sunday, 13th July – France vs India ‘A’ | 2:00 PM | Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Tuesday, 15th July – England vs India ‘A’ | 5:30 PM | Amstelveen, Netherlands
- Thursday, 17th July – Belgium vs India ‘A’ | 3:30 PM | Antwerp, Belgium
- Friday, 18th July – Netherlands vs India ‘A’ | 9:30 PM | Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Sunday, 20th July – Netherlands vs India ‘A’ | 8:30 PM | Eindhoven, Netherlands
This sequence of matches offers a combination of experience against world-class opponents and demanding turnarounds a setup that mirrors the rhythm of major international tournaments.
A Balanced and Talented Squad
The 20-member India ‘A’ squad brings together a mix of promising junior internationals, seasoned domestic performers, and players who’ve been on the fringes of the senior national team. The squad is led by defender Sanjay, who takes on the captaincy responsibilities. A consistent performer in age-group teams, Sanjay’s leadership will be vital against elite opposition. Supporting him is Rabichandra Moirangthem Singh, the industrious midfielder who has been named vice-captain.
Goalkeepers:
- Pawan
- Mohit Honnenahalli Shashikumar
Both custodians have shown great promise in national camps and junior international competitions. This tour will test their decision-making under pressure.
Midfielders:
- Poovanna Chandura Boby
- Mohammed Raheel Mouseen
- Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh (VC)
- Vishnukant Singh
- Pardeep Singh
- Rajinder Singh
The midfield core reflects depth and versatility, with Raheel Mouseen providing flair and Rabichandra adding the steel. Their ability to control the tempo and distribution will be key.
Defenders:
- Sanjay (C)
- Pratap Lakra
- Varun Kumar
- Amandeep Lakra
- Parmod
Sanjay, Parmod, and Varun bring a strong presence at the back, and this unit will be tested against the high-speed attacks of European teams. Penalty corner defense and execution will be areas to watch.
Forwards:
- Angadbir Singh
- Boby Singh Dhami
- Maninder Singh
- Venkatesh Kenche
- Aditya Arjun Lalge
- Selvam Karthi
- Uttam Singh
This exciting forward line is stacked with flair, pace, and aggression. Young gun Uttam Singh, who has already impressed with his sharp movement and goal sense, will be the one to watch. With Boby Singh Dhami and Selvam Karthi also in the mix, expect plenty of attacking intent from the Indian side.
Why This Tour Matters
The Europe tour is more than just a preparatory assignment it’s a developmental milestone. It helps bridge the gap between the junior and senior level and allows selectors to gauge readiness for big-ticket events like the FIH Pro League, Asian Champions Trophy, and eventually, Los Angeles 2028.
Facing teams like Netherlands, England, and Belgium all top-6 ranked nations in the world provides India ‘A’ with a taste of what elite-level hockey looks like. These matches also offer tactical learning: how to defend under sustained pressure, how to finish chances in tight spaces, and how to adapt to different playing styles.
Additionally, for the coaching staff and selectors, this is a litmus test for players to push for a place in the senior squad. With the Olympic cycle already underway post-Paris 2024, standout performers from this tour could very well be knocking on the doors of the national team soon.
As India’s senior team continues to build for global dominance, the importance of having a ready bench cannot be overstated. Tours like this are essential for grooming talent, instilling confidence, and building a resilient pipeline of players.
India ‘A’ will be under the spotlight during this European leg, not just for results, but for the style of play, attitude, and growth shown on the field. With a balanced squad and competitive fixtures, this tour promises to be a thrilling chapter in India’s ever-evolving hockey journey.
Stay tuned as the tricolour takes on Europe.
#IndiaKaGame #HockeyIndia #EuropeTour2025
