Hockey India name squad for Germany series

Bengaluru, Oct 20 (UNI) Hockey India has unveiled the 22-member Indian Men’s Hockey team set to face reigning World Champions Germany in a bilateral series in New Delhi.

The matches are scheduled for 23rd and 24th October at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, following the Indian team’s triumphant performance at the Asian Champions Trophy in Hulunbuir, China, where they clinched the title, marking a record fifth victory in the tournament’s history since 2011.

This highly anticipated series, named the Power Finance Corporation (PFC) India vs Germany Bilateral Hockey Series, signals the return of international hockey to the national capital.

The India side will be captained by Harmanpreet Singh, with Vivek Sagar Prasad serving as vice-captain. Notably, dynamic midfielder Hardik Singh will miss the series as he continues rehabilitation for an injury sustained during the Paris Olympic Games.

The upcoming series will also see the international debuts of Rajinder Singh and Aditya Arjun Lagate, both of whom have shown significant promise during the training camp.

The squad features goalkeepers Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera, with a defensive lineup including Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, and Sanjay. The midfield will comprise Sumit, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Vishnu Kant Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Shamsher Singh, Mohd Raheel Mouseen, and Rajinder Singh.

Mandeep Singh returns to the forward line after being rested for the Asian Champions Trophy, joining Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Dilpreet Singh, and Shilanand Lakra.

Chief Coach Craig Fulton expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming series, stating, “We are very excited to take on Germany in the national capital next week. India and Germany have shared a strong rivalry in recent years, and we are upbeat about playing in New Delhi. The team we have selected is experienced, featuring several players from the Bronze medal-winning squad at the Paris Olympics.

“We look forward to Rajinder and Aditya making their international debuts during this series; they have shown tremendous promise in the training camp, and we share their excitement as they prepare to earn their first jerseys with the Indian team.”

Squad

Goalkeepers Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera

Defenders Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh (C), Varun Kumar, Sanjay, Sumit, and Nilam Sanjeep Xess

Midfielders Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad (VC), Vishnu Kant Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Shamsher Singh, Mohammad Raheel Mouseen, and Rajinder Singh

Forwards Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Dilpreet Singh, and Shilananda Lakra.

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