Hockey India has unveiled a 24-member Indian men’s squad for the Rourkela leg of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025–26, signalling a clear intent to blend continuity with renewal as the team begins a crucial home stretch in the Olympic cycle.
The matches will be staged from February 10 to 15 at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, a venue that has rapidly become a fortress for Indian hockey and a symbol of Odisha’s growing stature as a global hockey hub.
The Rourkela leg will see India lock horns with two of the world’s strongest sides Argentina and Belgium making it an immediate test of depth, adaptability, and tactical sharpness. For the national setup and for Hockey India, this phase of the Pro League is not merely about points on the table, but about establishing combinations and roles that can endure across a long and demanding season.
At the core of the squad is a strong leadership spine. Captain Harmanpreet Singh continues to marshal the defence, bringing with him the authority of a leader who has consistently delivered in high-pressure moments. His presence is complemented by experienced defenders such as Amit Rohidas and Jarmanpreet Singh, while Jugraj Singh and Sumit offer penalty-corner depth and reliability. The defensive unit is rounded off by Sanjay and Nilam Sanjeep Xess, ensuring balance between physicality and mobility at the back.
One of the most notable inclusions is Amandeep Lakra, whose rise over the past season has been rapid and emphatic. Fresh from being named the Hero Player of the Tournament in the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26, Lakra’s selection underlines the national selectors’ willingness to reward domestic excellence. His ability to contribute both defensively and in transition phases adds a valuable dimension to the squad.
In goal, India has opted for continuity with Suraj Karkera and Pawan sharing responsibilities. Both have impressed in recent domestic and international outings, and the competition between them is expected to sharpen standards in a position that often decides tight Pro League encounters.
The midfield, traditionally India’s engine room, reflects a careful mix of control, experience, and emerging energy. Rajinder Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Hardik Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, and Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh bring years of international exposure and an understanding of tempo management against elite opposition. Alongside them are two names that point firmly towards the future.
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Rosan Kujur, at just 21, has earned his maiden senior call-up after a standout year. A bronze medallist with the Indian junior team at the FIH Junior World Cup 2025 in Chennai, Kujur further cemented his credentials by playing a pivotal role in Vedanta Kalinga Lancers’ title-winning campaign in the Hero Hockey India League. His inclusion is a clear statement of intent: performance pathways from junior success to senior responsibility are being actively reinforced.
Manmeet Singh, another Junior World Cup bronze medallist, also finds a place after consistent performances domestically. His ability to operate across midfield roles offers tactical flexibility, particularly against high-pressing teams like Belgium.
Up front, India’s attacking unit combines proven international firepower with fresh options. Abhishek and Sukhjeet Singh remain central to India’s pressing game and counter-attacking threat, while Mandeep Singh’s experience provides composure in the circle. Shilanand Lakra and Selvam Karthi add width and directness, and the inclusion of Araijeet Singh Hundal and Aditya Arjun Lalage points to a desire to broaden the attacking base and test new combinations in competitive conditions.
Chief coach Craig Fulton described the squad as an “exciting mix of youth and experience,” a phrase that accurately captures the strategic direction of the selection. With Argentina and Belgium arriving with their own established cores, India’s challenge will be to match intensity early while exploiting the familiarity of home conditions. The Rourkela crowd, known for its knowledge and passion, is expected to play a significant role in lifting the team during key moments.
From a broader perspective, the Rourkela leg of the FIH Men’s Pro League represents more than a home assignment. It is an opportunity to set benchmarks physically, tactically, and mentally against top-tier opposition, and to begin shaping a squad that can sustain performance through the Asian Games cycle and beyond.
All Indian matches during this leg will be broadcast live on Star Sports Khel, ensuring wide visibility for a team that is steadily evolving. As the first whistle approaches at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, India’s men will look to harness home advantage, test their new blend of talent, and lay down an early marker in the 2025–26 Pro League season.
