Hockey India Names 36-Member Camp Squad Ahead of Pro League, World Cup and Asian Games
Category: News | Date: 20 April 2026
Indian hockey is about to get very busy. The World Cup is in August. The Asian Games follow in September. Direct Olympic qualification for LA 2028 is on the line in Japan. The European Pro League leg sits in between. Three major events in roughly three months, with almost no room for error.
Hockey India has named a 36-member core probable group for the Senior Men’s National Coaching Camp. The camp runs at the SAI Centre in Bengaluru from April 20 to May 9, 2026. Coach Craig Fulton will use it to assess his options and build combinations before the World Cup squad announcement. The debate around sending one squad or two for the World Cup and Asian Games remains unresolved. Every player in this camp is making their case regardless of how that question gets answered.
Read More: FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Schedule: Full Fixtures, Groups and India Match Dates
The Returns That Matter
The most significant aspect of this squad is who is back. Manpreet Singh and Krishan Bahadur Pathak are both in. Hockey India dropped all three earlier this year after a disciplinary incident during India’s South Africa tour in December 2025. The federation never formally explained the nature of the incident, but team sources confirmed it was disciplinary.
Manpreet’s return matters most. He has 411 international caps, one short of Dilip Tirkey’s national record of 412. He captained India through some of their best years and played a central role in both Olympic bronze medals at Tokyo and Paris. India’s midfield has managed without him this year. It has not been the same. Hardik Singh carries the load but needs a partner who reads the game at that level. Manpreet is still that player. With the World Cup two months away, bringing him back is the right call.
Read More: India’s Big Call: Chase World Cup Glory or Secure Olympic Qualification?
The Squad
Goalkeepers
Five goalkeepers are named for the camp. Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Suraj Karkera, and Pawan bring senior experience. Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar and Princedeep Singh are the younger options Fulton wants to look at.
Defenders
Harmanpreet Singh and Amit Rohidas anchor the defence. Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, and Sumit provide the established cover. Poovanna Chandura Boby, Yashdeep Siwach, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, and Amandeep Lakra give Fulton younger options to test.
Midfielders
Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, and Vivek Sagar Prasad lead the midfield. Nilakanta Sharma and Raj Kumar Pal add further options. Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Vishnu Kant Singh, and Rosan Kujur complete a competitive group.
Forwards
Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Abhishek, and Sukhjeet Singh are the senior forwards. Shilanand Lakra, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Angad Bir Singh, Uttam Singh, Selvam Karthi, Aditya Arjun Lalage, and Maninder Singh give Fulton a wide pool to choose from.
What the Camp Is For
The camp runs until May 9. Fulton has a wide pool to work with before the European Pro League leg begins. The World Cup squad announcement follows after that. How India manage the next four months, selection, fitness, and the one squad versus two debate, will define how ready they are when it counts.
Source: Hockey India official announcement, 20 April 2026.
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