Nearly a year after his last senior appearance, Indian forward Angad Bir Singh is back in the national fold, determined to prove that his return is not just a recall but a statement of growth.
The 23-year-old has been named in India’s 24-member squad for the Hobart leg of the FIH Pro League 2025–26, marking his first international assignment since making his senior debut against Ireland during the 2024–25 season in Bhubaneswar. This time, however, the stakes feel different.
“Coming back to the national team after a year is a completely different feeling,” Angad said ahead of departure. “I’ve been training for a long time and waiting for this chance. Now that it’s here, I just want to prove myself and contribute.”
A Return Built on Patience
Angad’s year away from the senior side was not a period of stagnation. Instead, it became a phase of recalibration. He remained within the national training ecosystem in Bengaluru, worked closely with the coaching staff, and represented India A on exposure tours.
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“The coaches were clear about the areas I needed to improve,” he explained. “I worked on my speed, my decision-making, and my overall skill set. I stayed patient and trusted that if I kept improving, the opportunity would come again.”
That opportunity arrived following an impressive campaign in the Hero Hockey India League 2025–26, where Angad played a key role in Vedanta Kalinga Lancers’ title-winning run. Competing against high-quality international opposition week after week sharpened his tactical awareness and physical intensity.
“The HIL was very important for me. Playing against top players helps you understand the level required. I focused on the feedback I received, and I’m glad the coaching staff recognised the improvement.”
The Hobart leg of the Pro League will also mark Angad’s first overseas tour with the senior team—an added layer of motivation.
India face formidable opposition in Australia and Spain, two sides known for their structured man-to-man systems and relentless physicality. According to Angad, preparations have been tailored specifically to meet that challenge.
“Our training sessions in camp were designed keeping Australia and Spain in mind. The intensity has been high, and we’ve focused a lot on fitness and match readiness,” he said. “The weather in Hobart is similar to Bengaluru, which has helped us settle quickly.”
The team heads into this leg after a difficult outing in Rourkela, where results did not go India’s way. But Angad insists the mood in the camp remains constructive rather than reactive.
“Every team goes through tough phases. Our focus is to stay positive and maintain standards. We are concentrating on our performance rather than what has happened before. The target is to win all four matches.”
Primarily an attacking player, Angad prefers operating as a striker or winger, roles that allow him to use his pace aggressively in transition.
“I like playing in positions where I can attack directly, use my speed, and create penalty corners. That’s one of my strengths,” he noted. “I want to earn more penalty corners and minimise mistakes. This is still the beginning of my journey, so gaining experience while contributing to the team is important.”
In modern hockey, forwards are expected to press defensively, rotate fluidly, and convert half-chances under pressure. Angad acknowledges that international hockey leaves little margin for error.
“It’s about small details positioning, first touch, timing of runs. At this level, you can’t switch off even for a second.”
Learning from the Senior Core
Angad credits senior teammates and international stars from the HIL for shaping his development beyond just technical improvement. Observing professional habits—recovery routines, diet discipline, mental preparation—has reshaped his own approach.
“I’ve changed many things in how I prepare. Watching experienced players taught me that success isn’t only about skill; it’s about consistency in everything you do.”
He also highlighted the support system within the squad, mentioning teammates like Sanjay and Araijeet Singh Hundal for helping him remain patient during his wait for another call-up.
“They kept telling me to trust the process. We motivated each other and pushed each other to improve.”
When asked what separates the current version of himself from the one who debuted last year, Angad was clear.
“There will be a big difference. I feel more confident, more aware, and physically stronger. Last year I was just excited to be there. This time, I feel ready.”
Facing top-ranked teams away from home is a test of temperament as much as skill. But the young forward believes mindset will define outcomes.
“It’s 11 versus 11. Whoever shows more commitment and determination on the day will win. We’re confident, and we’re going there to compete.”
For Angad Bir Singh, the Hobart leg is more than a tour it is a second beginning. And this time, he arrives not as a debutant finding his feet, but as a forward determined to justify his return.
