Indian national hockey team unveils a team of 24 players for their voyage to Australia
The Indian men's hockey team embarked on a tour of Australia in August 2025, marking a significant step in their preparations for the upcoming Asia Cup to be held in Bihar, India. The tour, from August 15 to 21 in Perth, was part of a demanding calendar that includes the Pro League, World Cup, and Asia Cup.
The squad, comprising 24 members selected by Hockey India, includes a mix of seasoned players and promising young talents. The midfielders for the team are Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, and Vishnu Kant Sing. Talented midfielder Rajinder Singh, often likened to stalwart former India captain Sardar Singh, has been named in the squad.
In the defensive line, Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Amit Rohidas, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Jugraj Singh, and Karnataka's Poovanna will take care of the backline. Poovanna, a young defender, has been included in the team for the Tour of Australia.
The goalkeeping duties will be handled by Krishan B Pathak and Suraj Karker.
The tour aims to sharpen individual skills and build team momentum ahead of competing at home in the Asia Cup. The focus is on improving physical conditioning and technical execution, as confirmed by Indian coach Graham Reid and the team support staff. Managing player workload and injuries is a key concern, given the demanding schedule. The coaching and scientific team is using data analytics and scientific approaches to optimise player fitness and ensure readiness for every match while having adequate backup players in case of injuries.
The Indian team, ranked eighth in the world rankings, will face the sixth-ranked Australian team on August 15, 16, 19, and 21 at the same venue to challenge and test their form before the Asia Cup. This tour also serves as an exposure for the team ahead of the Asia Cup at home in Rajgir from August 29, which is also a World Cup Qualifier. The tour aims to recreate Asian dominance and build a cohesive team unit ready to perform strongly in their home continental championship.
Chief coach Craig Fulton emphasised the importance of this tour, stating that the focus is on improving physical conditioning and technical execution during the tour.
The team is leaving for Australia on Friday from Bengaluru where they are currently training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) campus. The forwards for the team include Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Selvam Karthi, and Aditya Lalage.
This tour provides a valuable opportunity for the Indian team to test their mettle against a strong opponent before the Asia Cup, and their performances will be closely watched by hockey enthusiasts across the globe.
Football and hockey are two sports that require extensive physical conditioning and technical execution, essential for maintaining good health. The Indian men's hockey team, currently ranked eighth globally, is planning to demonstrate their skills against the sixth-ranked Australian football team during the tour, aiming to build a cohesive unit ahead of the Asia Cup, also serving as a World Cup Qualifier.
