Hockey: 20-member Indian men’s squad announced for World Cup

By  News On Air   Jul 21, 2026

Hockey India has announced the 20-member men’s squad for the upcoming FIH World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands to be held from August 15 to 30. Ace defender and drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will lead the Indian side. Veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh brings vast experience to a balanced squad comprising a blend of seasoned campaigners and exciting young talent.

The goalkeeping department includes Mohith HS and Suraj Karkera, while the defensive unit comprises Jarmanpreet Singh, captain Harmanpreet, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit and Yashdeep Siwach. The midfield will be led by the trio of Manpreet, Hardik Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad besides Nilakanta Sharma and promising youngsters Rajinder Singh and Aditya Arjun Lalage.

The attacking responsibilities will be on the shoulders of Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh and Shilanand Lakra. Chief coach Craig Fulton is confident that the selected squad has a bright chance to write its own chapter in Indian hockey history.

India, drawn in Pool D alongside England, Pakistan and Wales, will play all their pool-stage matches in Amstelveen, Netherlands. India will begin their campaign against Wales on August 15, before taking on England on August 17 and arch-rivals Pakistan on August 19.