Hockey India (HI) announced the 24-member Indian men’s hockey team for the upcoming 5 Nations Tournament Valencia 2023. The tournament is scheduled to take place from December 15 to 22 in Valencia, Spain. The event will serve as a preparatory platform ahead of the 2023-24 FIH Hockey Pro League games and will witness India competing against hosts Spain, Germany, France, and Belgium.
The team, led by the proficient drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh, includes a blend of seasoned players and budding talents. Sumit and Amit Rohidas have been appointed as Harman’s deputies for this tour.
In the goalkeeping department, Suraj Karkera returns to the squad alongside regulars PR Sreejesh and Krishan B Pathak. Captain Harmanpreet Singh will anchor the defense, supported by Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Amit Rohidas, Varun Kumar, Sumit, Sanjay, and Nilam Sanjeep Xess.
The midfield features Vivek Sagar Prasad, Nilakanta Sharma, Rajkumar Pal, Shamsher Singh, and young faces like Yashdeep Siwach and Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem. Meanwhile, the forward line comprises Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Karthi Selvam, Dilpreet Singh and Akashdeep Singh.
Speaking on the team selection, Indian Men’s Hockey Team Chief Coach Craig Fulton said, “We are going with a well-balanced side with a good mix of youth and experience. The tournament provides us with a great platform to try out different things and adjust ourselves accordingly. It also provides the younger players with a great opportunity to showcase their talent and experience the pressure of facing the top teams in the world.
“The next seven months are very important for us, we have a lot of games to play before the Paris 2024 Olympics, and it’s very important we follow a process and go step-by-step,” he added.
The Indian Men’s Hockey Team for the 5 Nations Tournament Valencia 2023:
Sreejesh Parattu Raveendran, Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Suraj Karkera, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Amit Rohidas (VC), Harmanpreet Singh (C), Varun Kumar, Sumit (VC), Sanjay, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Yashdeep Siwach, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Nilakanta Sharma, Rajkumar Pal, Shamsher Singh, Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Karthi Selvam, Dilpreet Singh, and Akashdeep Singh.
(Inputs from ANI)