“Squad in Great Shape…”: Craig Fulton Calls Europe Leg ‘Pivotal’ as India Name 24-Man FIH Pro League Squad

Hockey India has named a 24-member Indian Men's Hockey Team for the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2025-26. Harmanpreet Singh returns as captain after missing the Hobart leg in February for personal reasons. The squad mixes senior players and younger options.

The team will train and play a friendly in Brussels, Belgium, from 7 to 9 June 2026. They then move to Rotterdam, the Netherlands, from 10 June for Pro League matches against Germany and the Netherlands from 14 to 21 June 2026. London matches follow later.

In London, England, India will face Pakistan and England from 23 to 28 June 2026. Hockey India has also listed five standby players across positions. Chief Coach Craig Fulton said the June matches in Holland and England are key World Cup preparation tests.

The defence will centre on captain Harmanpreet Singh, along with Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh and young defender Amandeep Lakra. The midfield group includes experienced players Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad, supported by Raj Kumar Pal. The forward line includes several regular goal threats.

'Squad Is In Great Shape...' Coach Fulton Sees Europe Leg Vital For WC Preparation

Chief Coach Craig Fulton said, "Training has been going really well and the squad is in great shape. The FIH Pro League matches in Holland and England in June are exactly what we need — tough tests against world-class opposition that will tell us exactly where we stand in our World Cup preparations."

He added, "We are looking forward to the challenge." The selection aims to stabilise the national core ahead of the upcoming World Cup. The mix of seasoned names and younger players should give the staff more options and depth across all three lines.

FIH Pro League: Indian Squad

The goalkeeping unit features Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar and Suraj Karkera. Defenders include captain Harmanpreet, Amit Rohidas, Sumit, Sanjay, Yashdeep Siwach, Amandeep Lakra, Jarmanpreet and Jugraj. The midfield has Hardik, Manpreet, Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad and Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem.

The forward line consists of Mandeep Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra and Selvam Karthi. The selection keeps many recent regulars. It also offers a chance for players like Aditya Arjun Lalage to gain more experience in top-level international matches.

Hockey India has also announced five standby players. Goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak provides experienced cover in goal. Forwards Araijeet Singh Hundal and Maninder Singh add backup scoring options. Defender Poovanna Chandura Boby and midfielder Vishnu Kant Singh complete the standby group.

The Indian squad will first gather in Brussels, Belgium, for a preparatory camp from 7 to 9 June 2026. The schedule there includes training sessions and a friendly match. The short camp should help players adjust to European conditions before the Pro League fixtures begin.

FIH Pro League: Fixtures

After Brussels, the players travel to Rotterdam on 10 June. India will meet hosts Netherlands and Germany between 14 and 21 June 2026. These teams are regular Pro League contenders and frequent major tournament rivals for India, giving important form and tactical insights.

The final stop is London, England, where India plays Pakistan and England from 23 to 28 June 2026. The schedule includes two matches against Pakistan and two against England. These contests add a traditional rivalry element alongside important ranking and preparation stakes.