Harmanpreet to lead India at Hockey World Cup; Fulton eyes historic campaign

New Delhi: Hockey India on Monday named a 20-member Indian men's squad for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, with captain Harmanpreet Singh set to lead the side in the tournament to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to 30.

Chief coach Craig Fulton expressed confidence in the squad, saying it has the potential to script a memorable chapter in Indian hockey history as the country marks 50 years since its lone World Cup triumph in 1975.

"This is a well-balanced squad — the right mix of tournament experience and in-form youth who've earned their spot through performance, not reputation," Fulton said.

Veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh, India's most-capped player, will provide experience alongside Hardik Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad in midfield, while ace drag-flicker Harmanpreet will marshal the defence. The forward line features Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh and Shilanand Lakra.

India have been drawn in Pool D with England, Pakistan and Wales, and will play all their league matches in Amstelveen. The campaign begins against Wales on August 15, followed by England on August 17 and arch-rivals Pakistan on August 19.

"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," Fulton said.

Reflecting on the significance of the tournament, he added, "Fifty years since 1975, this group has a chance to write its own chapter in Indian hockey history."

The squad includes goalkeepers Mohith HS and Suraj Karkera; defenders Harmanpreet Singh (captain), Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit and Yashdeep Siwach; midfielders Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Nilakanta Sharma, Rajinder Singh and Aditya Arjun Lalage; and forwards Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh and Shilanand Lakra.

Tags : Hockey India, Netherlands, Harmanpreet, Jarmanpreet, Manpreet