Harmanpreet Singh has been appointed as the captain of the Indian men’s hockey team for the upcoming Paris Olympics, with Hardik Singh named as his deputy in the 16-member squad. This announcement comes as India prepares to build on their bronze medal-winning performance at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.
The squad features a blend of experienced campaigners and fresh talent, including five players set to make their Olympics debut. Among the seasoned players, goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and midfielder Manpreet Singh will be making their fourth Olympic appearance, underscoring their pivotal roles in the team’s leadership and strategy.
In a challenging Pool B, India will face formidable opponents such as Belgium, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, and Ireland. The format dictates that teams finishing in the top four of the pool standings will advance to the quarter-finals, setting the stage for intense competition right from the start.
Preparations are in full swing at the SAI Centre in Bengaluru, where the Indian players are honing their skills under rigorous training sessions. The squad’s defensive lineup will be anchored by Harmanpreet Singh, alongside Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Sumit, and Sanjay. Meanwhile, the midfield will be marshaled by Rajkumar Pal, Shamsher Singh, Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, and Vivek Sagar Prasad.
Upfront, the attacking responsibilities will fall on Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Mandeep Singh, and Gurjant Singh, who will aim to capitalize on scoring opportunities and maintain offensive pressure throughout the tournament.
Head coach Craig Fulton expressed confidence in the squad, highlighting the competitiveness of the selection process and the resilience demonstrated by each player. “Our focus has been on building a cohesive team capable of adapting to various challenges on the field,” Fulton remarked. “As we head to Paris, our goal is clear – to compete with determination and bring glory to India.”
The Indian campaign kicks off against New Zealand on July 27, followed by matches against Argentina, Ireland, Belgium, and Australia. With a rich Olympic history that includes 12 medals, India aims to add to its tally, comprising eight gold, one silver, and three bronze medals across previous editions.
The squad also includes alternate players Nilakanta Sharma, Jugraj Singh, and Krishan Bahadur Pathak, who stand ready to step in as needed during the tournament. As the countdown to the Paris Olympics begins, all eyes will be on the Indian men’s hockey team as they strive to achieve excellence on the global stage.
