Hockey India today announced the 16-member Indian men’s hockey team for Paris 2024 Olympics, scheduled from 26th of next month to 11th August. The team, with five Olympic debutants, will be led by ace drag-flicker and defender Harmanpreet Singh. Powerful midfielder Hardik Singh will be the vice-captain.
The squad also features veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. The defence line includes Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Sumit, and Sanjay, while the midfield will see the contributions of Raj Kumar Pal, Shamsher Singh, Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, and Vivek Sagar Prasad.
The forward line boasts formidable players such as Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Mandeep Singh, and Gurjant Singh.
Additionally, goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak, midfielder Nilakanta Sharma, and defender Jugraj Singh have been named as alternate athletes.
In Paris 2024 Olympics, India are placed in Pool B alongside defending Champions Belgium, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, and Ireland. To advance to the Quarter-Finals, the team must secure a top-four finish in their pool.
Pool A comprises the Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, South Africa, and host nation France, setting the stage for a highly competitive 12-team men’s hockey tournament.
India will kick off their campaign on 27th of next month against New Zealand, followed by a match against Argentina on 29th July. They will then face Ireland on July 30 and and Belgium on 1st August, with their final group stage game against Australia on 2nd August.
It is worth mentioning that the Indian men’s team has a rich Olympic history, having secured an impressive 12 Olympic medals, including 8 Gold, 1 Silver, and 3 Bronze medals, hence, the Harmanpreet-led team will be aiming to add another medal to the tally.
Disclaimer: This press release is sourced from News On AIR, Prasar Bharti and Press Information Bureau India (PIB).
