Hockey India has announced a dynamic 24-player Indian team for the upcoming FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26 Rourkela edition, running February 10-15 in Odisha’s Birsa Munda Stadium. The squad features a debutant who could become the next big thing in Indian hockey.
Roshan Kujur, the 21-year-old from Odisha, steps into senior international hockey for the first time. Fresh off a bronze at the FIH Junior World Cup 2025 in Chennai and pivotal contributions to champions Vedanta Kalinga Lancers in the Hero Hockey India League, Kujur’s inclusion is richly deserved.
Manmeet Singh from Punjab also shines through, replicating his junior success in domestic leagues. The team boasts depth: goalkeepers Suraj Karkera and Pavan; a robust defense led by Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, and Sumit; midfield engines like Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh and Neilakanta Sharma; and a lethal forward line with Arjun Singh Hundal and Aditya Arjun Lalage.
Coach Craig Fulton is optimistic: ‘Youthful talents alongside veterans create the perfect equilibrium. We’re confident against strong sides like Belgium and Argentina, prioritizing our best game.’
Rourkela’s leg pits India against top global teams, offering invaluable preparation. This blend of experience from India-A players and rising stars positions India strongly. As the stadium fills with fervent supporters, the focus sharpens on showcasing world-beating hockey, reinforcing India’s rising stature in the sport.