Hockey India has unveiled a 20-member India A Men’s Hockey Team squad set to embark on a crucial European tour from 8th to 20th July 2025. Designed as an ambitious step to nurture the country’s hockey pipeline, the tour will pit the team against formidable European opponents in eight matches spread across Ireland, France, the Netherlands, England, and Belgium.The tour reflects Hockey India’s long-term commitment to bridging the gap between domestic excellence and international readiness. As part of this developmental strategy, the selected squad features a thoughtful blend of emerging talent and proven performers who have made their mark in both domestic and international arenas.Spearheading the campaign will be captain Sanjay, an experienced defender whose leadership and defensive acumen have been widely recognized, alongside vice-captain Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, an energetic midfielder known for his work rate and distribution.The team’s itinerary will see them contest two matches each against Ireland, France, and the Netherlands, along with one match apiece against England and Belgium. These fixtures are expected to challenge India A’s tactical adaptability and stamina against Europe’s high-paced, structured style of play.
The Squad: A Balance of Youth and Experience
The goalkeeping duties will be shared between Pawan and Mohit Honnenahalli Shashikumar, both of whom have shown promise with their reflexes and composure under pressure.In defence, apart from Sanjay, the team boasts stalwarts like Varun Kumar, Pratap Lakra, and Amandeep Lakra, who bring solidity and experience, while Parmod adds depth to the backline.The midfield unit is a dynamic combination of creativity and grit, featuring Poovanna Chandura Boby, Mohammed Raheel Mouseen, Vishnukant Singh, Pardeep Singh, and Rajinder Singh, alongside vice-captain Rabichandra Singh.Up front, India A has assembled a diverse forward line-up blending speed and finishing prowess. Angadbir Singh, Boby Singh Dhami, Maninder Singh, Venkatesh Kenche, Aditya Arjun Lalge, Selvam Karthi, and Uttam Singh will shoulder the responsibility of converting chances into goals.In addition, Ankit Malik (goalkeeper), Sunil Jojo (defender), and Sudeep Chirmako (forward) have been named as standbys.Leading the squad will be Shivendra Singh, who doubles as the assistant coach of the senior Indian Men’s Hockey Team. His reputation for instilling attacking discipline and tactical sharpness is expected to benefit the players as they adjust to European conditions.
Commenting on the tour, Shivendra Singh said:
“This tour is an important platform for our players to experience the tempo, structure, and intensity of European hockey. We have selected a squad that balances potential and experience, and I am confident this tour will be immensely beneficial in grooming the next batch of international players for India.”The India A squad will commence its European challenge with the opening match against Ireland on 8th July. Over the next two weeks, the team will face a diverse range of opponents, providing players invaluable exposure to different styles and tactical demands.As India’s hockey ambitions continue to grow, initiatives like this tour are pivotal in building a sustainable pipeline of talent capable of delivering consistent success on the global stage.
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