Bhubaneswar: Two hockey players from Odisha have been included in the 20-member Indian men’s squad for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands 2026, to be held from August 15 to 30.
According to Hockey India, defender Amit Rohidas and forward Shilanand Lakra will represent India in the prestigious tournament.
While announcing the squad, Chief Coach Craig Fulton said it is a well-balanced team with the right mix of experienced players and in-form youngsters who have earned their places through performance rather than reputation.
Ace defender and drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will lead the side as captain.
Fulton added: “Press, counter, perform isn’t just our tactical identity – it’s how this group trains and thinks together every single day. We are not getting ahead of ourselves – one game at a time, all in, is the mentality we’re taking into every match.”
India have been drawn in Pool D alongside Wales, England and Pakistan. The team will play all its group-stage matches in Amstelveen, Netherlands, Hockey India said.
India will begin their campaign against Wales on August 15. Two days later, they will take on England before facing arch-rivals Pakistan on August 19.
Complete squad: Goalkeepers: Mohith HS, Suraj Karkera
Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh (c), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, Yashdeep Siwach
Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad
Forwards: Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sukhjeet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Abhishek
