Hockey India has officially unveiled the India A Men’s Hockey Team squad for an exciting and intense European tour scheduled from 8th to 20th July 2025. The announcement, made on Tuesday, highlights a strategic and well-balanced selection of players aimed at developing future stars of Indian hockey. The tour promises a valuable international experience, with matches lined up against top European nations like Ireland, France, the Netherlands, England, and Belgium.
A Challenging Itinerary to Test Emerging Talent
India A will play seven matches across the tour, providing young Indian players with exposure to high-pressure international hockey. The squad will take on Ireland, France, and the Netherlands in two matches each, while they will face England and Belgium in one match each. These nations rank among the top hockey-playing countries in the world, and this tour will test India A’s technical skills, match temperament, and adaptability on foreign soil.
Leadership in Capable Hands
Sanjay, a promising defender, will wear the captain’s armband, while Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, a dynamic midfielder, will serve as vice-captain. Sanjay, who has steadily grown through the ranks with solid performances at the junior and senior levels, will bring stability and strategic command to the team’s backline. Rabichandra, known for his control and vision in midfield, will play a crucial role in maintaining the team’s rhythm and structure.
Coach Shivendra Singh Emphasizes Purpose and Preparation
Shivendra Singh, a former Indian international and now an integral part of the coaching staff, underscored the significance of this tour. He stated,
“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.”
Shivendra’s insight captures the broader vision behind the tour. The coaching team aims to build a pipeline of well-prepared players who can seamlessly transition into the senior Indian national team when the opportunity arises.
A Well-Rounded and Talented Squad
Hockey India has assembled a 22-member main squad with three standbys, focusing on a blend of youth and prior international exposure. Each line of the team includes players with specific roles and unique skills.
Goalkeepers:
- Pawan and Mohit Honnenahalli Shashikumar have shown sharp reflexes and game sense in previous tournaments. They will share duties between the posts and aim to organize the defense during crucial phases of the matches.
Defenders:
- The defensive unit features Pratap Lakra, Varun Kumar, Amandeep Lakra, Parmod, and Sanjay (Captain). Varun brings international senior-level experience, while others like Amandeep and Pratap have excelled in domestic circuits. This mix ensures India A carries both strength and versatility in defense.
Midfielders:
- Midfield will be key to India A’s strategy. Poovanna Chandura Boby, Mohammed Raheel Mouseen, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Vishnukant Singh, Pardeep Singh, and Rajinder Singh will control the game’s tempo. Rabichandra and Raheel stand out for their creativity and ability to switch play under pressure.
Forwards:
- In the attacking third, India A will rely on a strong pool of goal-hungry forwards: Angadbir Singh, Boby Singh Dhami, Maninder Singh, Venkatesh Kenche, Aditya Arjun Lalge, Selvam Karthi, and Uttam Singh. Selvam and Uttam, with previous junior national team accolades, bring explosive pace and clinical finishing to the squad.
Standbys:
- Ankit Malik (Goalkeeper), Sunil Jojo (Defender), and Sudeep Chirmako (Forward) remain on standby. All three have shown potential in recent camps and will stay ready in case of injury or strategic changes.
Key Players to Watch
- Uttam Singh: His attacking instinct, combined with an eye for assists, makes him a vital cog in India A’s front line.
- Selvam Karthi: Known for his ability to turn half-chances into goals, Karthi will challenge seasoned European defenses.
- Varun Kumar: His composure and penalty corner expertise will bolster India’s defense and add options in set-pieces.
- Sanjay: As captain and drag-flicker, Sanjay will lead by example both defensively and during penalty corner situations.
Why This Tour Matters
India’s roadmap for hockey development includes building a robust feeder system for the senior national team. The Europe tour represents a pivotal opportunity for emerging players to adjust to international standards, especially against teams that play a high-speed, physically demanding brand of hockey.
Playing in Europe provides challenges that Indian players don’t often face in domestic leagues. Differences in turf speed, weather conditions, tactical formations, and refereeing styles make such tours invaluable. Players gain insights that can’t be taught in training camps alone.
Moreover, facing countries like the Netherlands and Belgium—world leaders in modern hockey—helps players understand the mental and physical demands of elite-level play.
The Bigger Picture
With the FIH Men’s Hockey Pro League and the 2026 World Cup in the pipeline, Hockey India seeks to create a sustainable pool of match-ready players who can be called up at any time. India A’s Europe tour serves as a critical scouting ground for future senior team selections. It also builds team chemistry among players who may represent India together in major events in the coming years.
This tour also strengthens bilateral hockey relations with European nations and promotes healthy competitive exposure for both India and its opponents.
Conclusion
The India A Men’s Hockey Team’s Europe tour marks a crucial step in Hockey India’s vision for long-term excellence. With a talented mix of young guns and emerging stars, the squad looks well-equipped to take on the challenges of international competition. Under the guidance of Shivendra Singh and the leadership of Sanjay and Rabichandra, the team aims not only to gain experience but also to make a strong impression on the European hockey circuit.
As fans and selectors closely watch the performances, the Europe tour could prove to be a career-defining opportunity for many of these players. If they rise to the occasion, Indian hockey’s future will shine even brighter.
