The Indian men’s hockey team, led by drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh, has been announced for a five-match away Test series against Australia. This crucial tour is part of India’s preparations for the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Key Points
- 27-member squad features almost the entire core group of probables trained under coach Craig Fulton.
- Matches will be played in Perth from April 6th to 13th.
- The tour aims to assess India’s strengths and weaknesses before the Olympics.
- Coach Fulton sees this as an opportunity to test player combinations and finalize a potential Olympic squad.
- Australia, a strong contender for the Olympic podium, will provide a valuable challenge.
Indian Hockey Team Focus on Olympics
With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, this tour to Australia holds immense significance for the Indian hockey team. Coach Fulton intends to utilize this opportunity to gauge the team’s current standing and identify areas for improvement. The matches will also serve as a platform for testing various player combinations, potentially shaping the final Olympic squad.
Full Roster for Assessment
The 27-member squad includes almost all the players shortlisted for the national camp, reflecting coach Fulton’s philosophy of providing everyone a chance to showcase their skills. This approach ensures a well-rounded assessment and selection process.
INDIAN HOCKEY TEAM FULL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Krishan Bahadur Pathak, PR Sreejesh, Suraj Karkera.
DEFENDERS
Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, Amir Ali.
MIDFIELDERS
Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Shamsher Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Rajkumar Pal, Vishnukant Singh.
FORWARDS
Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Abhishek, Dilpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Gurjant Singh, Mohammed Raheel Mouseen, Boby Singh Dhami, Araijeet Singh Hundal.
Facing a Top Contender
Australia, a powerhouse in international hockey and a potential Olympic podium finisher, will provide a formidable challenge for the Indian team. The high level of competition will be an enriching experience, exposing the Indian players to a strong opponent and preparing them for the Olympic battles ahead.
Looking Forward to the Challenge
Coach Fulton recognizes the importance of this tour and expresses optimism. He acknowledges the challenge Australia presents while highlighting the value of exposure and experience gained through such competition. The Indian team appears eager to test their mettle and take a significant step towards their Olympic goals.