Hockey India has announced a 33-member core probable group for the Senior Men’s National Coaching Camp, scheduled at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre, Bengaluru, from 29th September to 18th October 2025.
The camp arrives at a pivotal moment for Indian hockey as the team begins preparations for two significant international assignments the 31st Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 in Ipoh, Malaysia (22nd–29th November), followed by a high-intensity tour of South Africa, which will serve as part of the build-up to the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026. The Indian men’s team enters this camp on the back of an unbeaten run at the Hero Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir, where they lifted the trophy and in doing so, secured a direct berth for the 2026 World Cup.
The victory has boosted confidence within the squad, but the coaching staff is clear that this is only the beginning of a larger journey. “Winning the Asia Cup and securing World Cup qualification was an important milestone for us, but it is only the beginning,” said Chief Coach Craig Fulton ahead of the camp.
“The players have come back into camp with renewed hunger, and now our focus shifts fully to preparing tactically for the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament. That will be another valuable test before we head straight into South Africa to start World Cup preparations and continue to build towards our bigger goals. Success is not just about results it’s about how we keep learning, adapting, and growing together as a team.”
Tactical Focus and Squad Depth
The three-week camp will focus on refining tactical play, improving efficiency in set pieces, and building greater depth across all departments. With a blend of experienced internationals and rising talents, the 33-member list reflects Hockey India’s emphasis on creating healthy competition within the squad and ensuring robust back-ups in every position. Captain Harmanpreet Singh, along with seasoned campaigners like Amit Rohidas, Manpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, and Hardik Singh, will provide leadership, while youngsters such as Yashdeep Siwach, Amandeep Lakra, and Angad Bir Singh will look to impress the coaching staff and push for consistent inclusion in the matchday squads.
Full List of 33 Core Probables
Goalkeepers
- Krishan B Pathak
- Suraj Karkera
- Pawan
- Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar
Defenders
- Sanjay
- Jugraj Singh
- Harmanpreet Singh
- Amit Rohidas
- Sumit
- Nilam Sanjeep Xess
- Jarmanpreet Singh
- Poovanna Chandura Boby
- Yashdeep Siwach
- Amandeep Lakra
- Varun Kumar
Midfielders
- Rajinder Singh
- Raj Kumar Pal
- Hardik Singh
- Vivek Sagar Prasad
- Manpreet Singh
- Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh
- Vishnu Kant Singh
- Nilakanta Sharma
- Mohammed Raheel Mouseen
- Maninder Singh
Forwards
- Abhishek
- Sukhjeet Singh
- Selvam Karthi
- Shilanand Lakra
- Mandeep Singh
- Dilpreet Singh
- Angad Bir Singh
- Aditya Arjun Lalage
Key Assignments on the Horizon
The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in November will be India’s first major test since the Asia Cup victory. Known as one of hockey’s most prestigious invitational tournaments, it will feature some of the world’s top teams and provide India with the chance to benchmark itself against international opponents ahead of the World Cup year. The subsequent South Africa tour will allow the team to test combinations, give exposure to youngsters, and fine-tune strategies in match-like conditions. Both tournaments will play an instrumental role in shaping the final pool of players who will represent India at the 2026 World Cup.
The announcement of the core group underscores Hockey India’s long-term strategy of blending experience with youth. With stalwarts like Manpreet Singh marshalling the midfield and forwards such as Mandeep Singh and Abhishek carrying the scoring load, the team also benefits from the energy and ambition of emerging players eager to prove themselves. For the coaching staff, the challenge will be to maintain the balance between short-term goals, like performing strongly at the Azlan Shah Cup, and long-term objectives, particularly preparation for the World Cup.
The camp in Bengaluru will emphasize not just fitness and tactical drills, but also mental conditioning crucial in tight international contests where small margins often decide outcomes. The next few months are set to be defining for Indian men’s hockey. With the World Cup just over a year away, every camp, every tournament, and every match carries significant weight. The Bengaluru camp offers the perfect platform for the players to refine their game, earn the trust of the coaches, and stake their claim for international selection.
For fans, the announcement of a strong 33-member group signals continuity, depth, and ambition. As Chief Coach Fulton emphasized, this phase is not just about results but about sustained growth ensuring that India not only arrives at the 2026 World Cup as contenders but stays competitive on the global stage for years to come. With momentum on their side, a renewed hunger in the squad, and a carefully designed roadmap, the Indian men’s hockey team now embarks on a fresh chapter in its journey, beginning in Bengaluru.
