Hockey India has named a 54-member core probable squad for the upcoming Senior Men’s National Coaching Camp, set to begin on April 25 at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru.
The selection follows standout performances at the 15th Senior Men’s National Championship 2025, held in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. The camp will run in two phases: the initial phase from April 25 to 30 will serve as an assessment period, after which the group will be trimmed to 40 players. The shortlisted players will continue training from May 1 to 25 in the second phase.
Of the 54 players named, 38 have been retained from the existing core group. The remaining players have earned their call-ups based on their impressive performances at the Nationals, representing teams such as Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Hockey Maharashtra, Hockey Punjab, UP Hockey, Hockey Bengal, and Manipur Hockey.
Players Retained from the Core Group:
Krishan B Pathak, Suraj Karkera, Pawan, Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar, Amit Rohidas, Varun Kumar, Jugraj Singh, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Amandeep Lakra, Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Yashdeep Siwach, Mohammed Raheel Mouseen, 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, 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, and Angad Bir Singh.
New Call-ups:
Sanjay B, Ankit Malik, Pratap Lakra, Parmod, Dhanavade Mayur, Ali Ahmad, Aakib Rahim, Arjun Sharma, Yousuf Affan, Laishram Dipu Singh, Venkatesh Kenche, Gursahibjit Singh, Pardeep Singh, Ravi, Uttam Singh, and Maninder Singh.
Indian Men’s Hockey Team Head Coach Craig Fulton shared his thoughts on the camp’s objectives:
“The main aim is to get everyone back on the field, into the gym, and moving again. After a brief break following the Nationals, it’s about returning to the basics. We’ve got a strong mix of experienced players, reserves, and some exciting young talent. This camp allows us to trial newcomers while evaluating the progress of our senior and reserve players. Internal matches will follow soon.”
Fulton emphasized that fitness would be a major focus, especially with the final leg of the FIH Pro League coming up in June.
“The camp is going to be intense—not just physically but in all aspects of the game. We’re working on fitness, gameplay, and overall preparedness,” he added.
Highlighting the integration of youth, Fulton noted:
“There’s a definite push to scout and nurture young talent. While we reinforce structure among our senior players, we’re also keeping an eye on the future by building depth with promising juniors.”
Looking ahead, the Indian team will head to Ireland for a preparatory camp, where they are scheduled to play three friendly matches as part of their Pro League build-up.
“We won’t be playing any official tournaments before the Pro League, but the Ireland camp will be vital for gaining match fitness in a competitive setting,” Fulton concluded.
(With inputs from IANS)
