 "India men's hockey team at the FIH Hockey Pro League. Image: Hockey India/Adimazes")
Hockey India announced a 16-member squad for the men’s team that will compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics, scheduled from 26 July to 11 August. The squad will be led by Harmanpreet Singh and includes five Olympic debutants.
Drag-flicker and defender Harmanpreet will find support from midfielder Hardik Singh in leadership duties. Harmanpreet is set to play in his third Olympics, having debuted as the youngest member of the Indian squad at the 2016 Rio Olympics and subsequently contributing to the bronze medal win at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The squad also features veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and midfielder Manpreet Singh, both of whom will be making their fourth Olympic appearance.
The defensive line includes Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Sumit, and Sanjay, while the midfield will see the contributions of Raj Kumar Pal, Shamsher Singh, Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, and Vivek Sagar Prasad. The forward line boasts formidable players such as Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Mandeep Singh, and Gurjant Singh.
Additionally, goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak, midfielder Nilakanta Sharma, and defender Jugraj Singh have been named as alternate athletes.
Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Raj Kumar Pal, Abhishek, and Sukhjeet Singh are the five players who are set to make their Olympic debut in Paris.
Speaking on the team selection, Chief Coach Craig Fulton said, “The selection process for the Paris Olympics’ squad was incredibly competitive due to the depth of talent within our ranks, however, I am confident that every player chosen will bring their best to Paris. Each player selected has demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and resilience throughout our rigorous preparation phase. Our journey has been marked by unwavering commitment to excellence and a collective drive to elevate Indian hockey on the world stage.”
He added, “This squad embodies a perfect blend of experienced players and promising young talents, giving us the versatility and energy required to tackle the challenges ahead. Our focus has been on building a cohesive team that can adapt to different playing styles and situations, and I believe we have achieved that.”
“As we head to Paris, our goal is clear – to play with heart, skill, and determination. We are prepared to face the world’s best teams and strive for the highest podium. This squad is ready to seize the opportunity and bring glory to India. We are confident in our abilities and excited about the journey ahead.”
India are placed in Pool B at the Paris Olympics alongside defending champions Belgium, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, and Ireland. To advance to the quarterfinals, the team must secure a top-four finish in their pool.
Pool A comprises of Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, South Africa, and hosts France, setting the stage for a highly competitive 12-team men’s hockey tournament.
The Indian team will start their campaign on 27 July against New Zealand, followed by a match against Argentina on 29 July. They will then face Ireland and Belgium on 30 July and 1 August respectively, with their final group stage game against Australia on 2 August.
Indian Men’s Hockey Team for Paris 2024 Olympics:
Goalkeepers: PR Sreejesh
Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Sanjay
Midfielders: Rajkumar Pal, Shamsher Singh, Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad
Forwards: Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Mandeep Singh, Gurjant Singh
Alternates: Nilakanta Sharma, Jugraj Singh, Krishan Bahadur Pathak (goalkeeper)