~ The Indian team has a strong mix of experienced players and young talent from all departments ~
New Delhi, February 5, 2026: Hockey India on Saturday announced a 24-member Indian men’s hockey team for the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26 for the Rourkela leg of the tournament, which will take place from February 10 to 15, 2026 at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, Odisha.
The Rourkela leg will see hosts India, alongside international heavyweights Argentina and Belgium, promise high-intensity encounters against some of the world’s best hockey nations.
The Indian squad features a strong mix of experienced players and young talent from all departments as the team looks to make a strong start to the Pro League campaign on home soil.
The goalkeeping duties will be handled by Suraj Karkera and Pawan, while the defensive unit will consist of Amit Rohidas, captain Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sumit, Sanjay and Nilam Sanjeep Xess, who will provide strength and leadership at the back. The list of defenders also includes Amandeep Lakra, who comes into the squad after an impressive performance in the recently concluded Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025-2026 where he was named Hero Player of the Tournament, underscoring his growing influence at the senior level.
The midfield will be anchored by Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Hardik Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Nilakanta Sharma and Rosan Kujur and offers a mix of experience, control and creativity.
One of the standout players is 21-year-old Rosan Kujur from Odisha, who has earned his maiden call-up to the national team. Kujur was part of the Indian junior team that secured the bronze medal at the 2025 FIH Junior World Cup in Chennai. He also had a breakthrough domestic season and played a key role for Vedanta Kalinga Lancers who went on to win the Hero Hockey India League 2025-2026 title.
Manmeet Singh from Punjab has also been added to the squad after a series of impressive performances. Manmeet was also part of the Indian junior team that claimed bronze at the 2025 FIH Junior World Cup in Chennai, and further showed his credentials while representing HIL GC at the Hero Hockey India League 2025-2026.
India’s forward line consists of Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Selvam Karthi, Mandeep Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal and Aditya Arjun Lalage, who will be tasked with leading the attack and making the most of opportunities.
Speaking about the squad, Craig Fulton, head coach of the Indian men’s hockey team, said: “It’s an exciting mix of youth and experience. We have young talents like Rosan, Manmeet and Amandeep coming through, while the presence of senior players, including those from the India A set-up, adds valuable experience. That balance is important for us. Belgium and Argentina are quality teams, but we believe in our abilities and are focused on delivering our best performances.”
With passionate home support expected at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, the Indian team will look to deliver strong performances against Argentina and Belgium in what promises to be an exciting leg of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-2026.
India – 24-member squad for FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-2026 (Rourkela Leg):
Goalkeepers:
Suraj Karkera, Pawan
Defenders:
Rohidas, Jarmanepreet Singh, Singh Jugraj, Harmanpreet Singh, Sumy, Stitoo, Nylats Xss, Amandeep Lakra
Midfielders:
Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Hardik Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Rosan Kujur
Forward:
Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Selvam Karthi, Mandeep Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Aditya Arjun Lalage
All India matches from FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26 Rourkela stage will be broadcast on Star Sports Khel.