Key Highlights:
Hockey India 40-member core group has officially been announced for the ongoing Senior Men’s National Coaching Camp at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru. The decision to streamline the squad from 54 to 40 players comes after a week of intensive evaluation based on performance and form.
The camp, which began on April 25, is a crucial step in preparing the team for upcoming international assignments, and this refined list reflects the federation’s focus on fielding a competitive, balanced squad.
What’s New in the 40-Member Core Group?
The revamped squad includes 38 existing players who have retained their places, along with two new additions recognized for their stellar form at the 15th Senior Men’s National Championship and early days of the training camp.
🔹 Goalkeepers (4 – Unchanged)
- Krishan B Pathak
- Suraj Karkera
- Pawan
- Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar
🔹 Defenders (11)
- Amit Rohidas
- Varun Kumar
- Jugraj Singh
- Nilam Sanjeep Xess
- Amandeep Lakra
- Harmanpreet Singh
- Jarmanpreet Singh
- Sanjay
- Yashdeep Siwach
- Mohammed Raheel Mouseen
- Pratap Lakra (New, from Hockey Madhya Pradesh)
🔹 Midfielders (11)
- Raj Kumar Pal
- Nilakanta Sharma
- Hardik Singh
- Sumit
- Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh
- Poovanna Chandura Boby
- Rajinder Singh
- Vishnu Kant Singh
- Manpreet Singh
- Vivek Sagar Prasad
- Shamsher Singh
🔹 Forwards (14)
- Gurjant Singh
- Abhishek
- Shilanand Lakra
- Aditya Arjun Lalage
- Boby Singh Dhami
- Selvam Karthi
- Sunil Jojo
- Mandeep Singh
- Lalit Kumar Upadhyay
- Dilpreet Singh
- Sukhjeet Singh
- Sudeep Chirmako
- Angad Bir Singh
- Uttam Singh (New, from UP Hockey)
Coach Craig Fulton’s Insights on the Selection
Indian Men’s Hockey Team Head Coach Craig Fulton shared that the finalization process was rigorous, driven by competitiveness and future planning.
“The decision to trim the group to 40 was not easy, but it reflects the high standards we’re aiming for,” Fulton said.
“The players have shown tremendous effort and focus. Those selected have proven themselves in national championships and through their attitude in training.”
He also noted the impressive performance of younger players challenging established names, highlighting a positive shift in squad depth.
What This Means for Indian Hockey Fans
The announcement of the Hockey India 40-member core group signals the start of strategic preparations for the 2025 season. With critical international fixtures on the horizon, this lineup serves as the foundation for forming India’s squad for major tournaments, possibly including:
- FIH Pro League 2025
- Asian Champions Trophy
- Olympic Qualifiers and more
Fans can expect to see this group take shape and evolve as the coaching staff intensifies training and testing strategies in the weeks ahead.
What Happens Next
With the new core group in place, the roadmap includes:
- Continued assessment and training at SAI Bengaluru
- Upcoming scrimmages and internal match simulations
- Further shortlisting as per tactical needs for each tournament
- Fitness benchmarks and skill-based evaluations
The streamlined group gives coaches clarity and time to build a cohesive unit that aligns with India’s goal of reclaiming dominance in global hockey.
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