Drag-flicking defender Harmanpreet Singh will captain India men at the Paris Olympics after Craig Fulton’s 16-strong squad was revealed on Wednesday.
Harmanpreet is set to play in his third Games, having debuted as the youngest member of the Indian squad at the 2016 Rio Olympics. India won bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The squad also features veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and midfielder Manpreet Singh, who will both be playing their fourth Olympics.
Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Raj Kumar Pal, Abhishek and Sukhjeet Singh are the five players who are set to make their Olympic debuts.
Fulton said: “The selection process for the Paris Olympics’ squad was incredibly competitive due to the depth of talent within our ranks, however, I am confident that every player chosen will bring their best to Paris. Each player selected has demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and resilience throughout our rigorous preparation phase.
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“This squad embodies a perfect blend of experienced players and promising young talents, giving us the versatility and energy required to tackle the challenges ahead. Our focus has been on building a cohesive team that can adapt to different playing styles and situations, and I believe we have achieved that.”
India is placed in Pool B alongside defending champions Belgium, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand and Ireland. The top advance to the knock outs.
India men’s Olympic hockey squad
GK: PR Sreejesh
Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Sanjay
Midfielders: Rajkumar Pal, Shamsher Singh, Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad
Forwards: Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Mandeep Singh, Gurjant Singh
Reserves: Nilakanta Sharma, Jugraj Singh. Krishan Bahadur Pathak
