For 22-year-old forward Araijeet Singh Hundal, the upcoming FIH Men’s Pro League 2025–26 matches in Rourkela represent more than just another international assignment they mark a defining opportunity to reaffirm his place in India’s senior setup after an emotionally and physically demanding comeback from injury.
India will begin their Pro League campaign at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on February 11 against Belgium, with the Rourkela leg running from February 10 to 15. The tournament will see the hosts take on world-class opponents in Belgium and Argentina, offering young players like Araijeet a crucial platform to make their mark.
A Comeback Forged in Mental Strength
Araijeet’s road back to the national team was anything but straightforward. A training injury ruled him out of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 a tournament where India went on to secure bronze. Missing a global event on home soil was a significant emotional setback.
“Missing the Junior World Cup due to my injury was very difficult for me mentally,” Araijeet admitted. “The doctors suggested surgery, but I believed in my recovery and decided not to go for it. I focused completely on my rehab and exercises. More than anything, it was about mentality. I was clear that I wanted to come back stronger.”
His decision to back conservative rehabilitation over surgery proved decisive. Through disciplined recovery and a sharp mental approach, Araijeet returned in time for the Hero Hockey India League (HIL) season — a tournament that would become central to his resurgence.
Regaining Rhythm in the Hero HIL
Turning out for Ranchi Royals in the Men’s Hero HIL 2025–26 season, Araijeet delivered a composed and impactful campaign. He scored three goals, including one in the final, as the Royals reached the championship match before finishing runners-up.
“The Hero HIL season was very good for me, much better than last year,” he said. “Initially, I needed two or three matches to settle in and boost my confidence, but after that I got my momentum and kept going.”
For a player returning from injury, the league offered both competitive rhythm and invaluable exposure. Sharing the field with seasoned Indian internationals and overseas professionals broadened his tactical awareness and decision-making under pressure. “There were senior players and overseas players in our team. Watching how they prepare and how they make decisions in pressure situations helped me improve my game,” Araijeet reflected.
One of the most influential presences in Ranchi’s setup was veteran forward Mandeep Singh someone Araijeet will again partner in the national team’s attacking line.
“Playing with Mandeep bhai is always very helpful,” he said. “He has performed at the top level for many years. Whenever we make a tactical or technical mistake, we can approach him. He explains clearly what to do and what to avoid. He is calm, approachable, and always willing to help juniors.”
That mentorship has helped refine Araijeet’s understanding of positioning, timing of runs, and decision-making inside the circle qualities essential at the highest level.
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The Pro League presents a different level of intensity altogether. Belgium and Argentina are among the most structured and tactically disciplined sides in world hockey. For India, playing at home in Rourkela offers both advantage and expectation. Araijeet has been working closely under head coach Craig Fulton, who has provided specific tactical guidance tailored to his role as a forward.
“Our training sessions have been very productive, and the intensity has been excellent,” Araijeet said. “This is a great opportunity for me to prove myself at the senior level. Craig Fulton has given me clear guidance, particularly on improving my awareness and decision-making inside the circle.”
The emphasis, he explains, is on clarity in critical moments converting half-chances, forcing penalty corners, and maintaining discipline within India’s structured attacking system.
Focus Areas for the Next Step
Looking ahead to the matches between February 11 and 15, Araijeet has identified two primary focus areas.
First, composure inside the circle. “When I have the ball inside the circle, I want to avoid careless mistakes and look to create an active scoring opportunity or win a penalty corner.” Second, off-the-ball discipline. “Staying alert, maintaining my positioning, and executing my role within the team structure.”
These are not headline-grabbing ambitions, but they reflect maturity the kind that develops when setbacks are handled correctly. At 22, Araijeet Singh Hundal is entering a phase where potential must translate into sustained performance. His comeback story, underpinned by resilience and tactical growth, now moves into its next chapter under the bright lights of international hockey.
With matches set to be broadcast live on Star Sports Khel, the Rourkela crowd will witness a young forward eager not just to participate, but to establish himself.
For Araijeet, the message is simple: this is not just a return it is a chance to prove that the setback was only a detour.
