The Indian Men’s Hockey Team, ranked fifth in the world, is set to begin its FIH Pro League 2024-25 campaign at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Led by Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna awardee Harmanpreet Singh, the team aims to make a strong statement in the prestigious tournament.

India’s campaign kicks off with two crucial matches against World No. 7 Spain on February 15 and 16, followed by high-stakes encounters with World No. 4 Germany on February 18 and 19. The team will then face Ireland on February 21 and 22 before concluding the home leg against World No. 2 England on February 24 and 25.

Aiming for a Stronger Finish

After securing a historic bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, India has been in top form, recently defending their title at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2024 in September. Despite finishing seventh in the last FIH Pro League edition, the team is determined to improve its standing this year and secure an automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

India last played in a two-match Test series against Germany in October 2024, where they bounced back from a 2-0 loss to win 5-3 in the second game. Though Germany claimed the series via a shootout, the competitive performance bolstered India’s confidence ahead of the Pro League.

A Well-Balanced Squad

Vice-captain Hardik Singh will assist Harmanpreet in leading a squad that blends experience with fresh talent. Key players such as Manpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Sumit, Sanjay, Jugraj Singh, and Vivek Sagar Prasad will anchor the team, while young stars like Araijeet Singh Hundal, Angad Bir Singh, and Arshdeep Singh add dynamism.

Harmanpreet Singh expressed confidence ahead of the tournament:
“The team is fresh from fantastic performances in the Hockey India League. Jugraj winning the top scorer award is a great sign for our drag-flick strength. We are eager to start well and take it match-by-match against top teams like Spain, Germany, and England.”

Coach and Team’s Strategy

Chief Coach Craig Fulton emphasized the importance of a strong start:
“The next few days will be intense, similar to an Olympic schedule with back-to-back matches. We’ve selected a bigger squad to maintain fitness levels. Since other teams have already played in Europe, our focus will be on performing well and winning matches.”

With home support and renewed momentum, India will look to make a lasting impact in this year’s Pro League and establish themselves as a dominant force on the global stage.