New Delhi : Hockey India has named a 24-member Indian Men’s Hockey Team for the upcoming four-match tour of Australia, scheduled from 15th to 21st August in Perth. The tour serves as a crucial preparatory step ahead of the Hero Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar, which also acts as a qualifier for the FIH Men’s World Cup.
Ace dragflicker and defender Harmanpreet Singh will lead the squad as captain. The goalkeeping department features Krishan Pathak and Suraj Karkera, while the defence includes seasoned names like Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, and newcomer Poovanna CB from Karnataka.
The midfield boasts a blend of experience and promise, with Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, and rising star Rajinder Singh, who is drawing comparisons to Indian hockey legend Sardar Singh. Forwards such as Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, and Selvam Karthi add firepower up front.
Head Coach Craig Fulton emphasized the tour’s importance for building match fitness and testing combinations. “This tour will sharpen our execution ahead of the Asia Cup. We’re also using it to provide exposure to young talents under pressure situations,” he said.
The team departs for Perth on 8th August from Bengaluru, where they are currently training at the SAI campus.
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Krishan Pathak, Suraj Karkera
Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh (C), Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Amit Rohidas, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Jugraj Singh, Poovanna CB
Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, Vishnu Kant Singh
Forwards: Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Selvam Karthi, Aditya Lalage
