Hockey India Announces Squad for Paris 2024 Olympics; Harmanpreet Singh Named Captain

Hockey India has unveiled a 16-member men’s hockey team that will compete for glory at the Paris 2024 Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, 2024. The squad features many experienced veterans and fresh talents, aiming to build on India’s rich Olympic legacy.

The team will be captained by ace drag-flicker and defender Harmanpreet Singh, with midfielder Hardik Singh serving as the vice-captain. Harmanpreet, making his third Olympic appearance, brings valuable experience, having debuted as the youngest member of the Indian squad at the 2016 Rio Olympics and playing a crucial role in securing the bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and midfielder Manpreet Singh, both set to make their fourth Olympic appearance, add further depth and experience to the squad. Sreejesh and Manpreet have been stalwarts of Indian hockey, providing leadership and stability in crucial moments.

Notably, the squad includes five Olympic debutants: Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Raj Kumar Pal, Abhishek, and Sukhjeet Singh. These players have demonstrated exceptional talent, earning their spots through rigorous preparation and competitive selection.

Chief coach Craig Fulton expressed confidence in the selected team, stating, “The selection process for the Paris Olympics’ squad was incredibly competitive due to the depth of talent within our ranks. However, I am confident that every player chosen will bring their best to Paris. Each player selected has demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and resilience throughout our rigorous preparation phase.”

Fulton emphasized the team’s balance of experience and youthful energy, adding, “This squad embodies a perfect blend of experienced players and promising young talents, giving us the versatility and energy required to tackle the challenges ahead. Our focus has been on building a cohesive team that can adapt to different playing styles and situations, and I believe we have achieved that.”

India is placed in Pool B, alongside defending champions Belgium, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, and Ireland. The team needs a top-four finish to advance. India will kick off its campaign on July 27 against New Zealand, followed by matches against Argentina (July 29), Ireland (July 30), Belgium (August 1), and Australia (August 2).

The Indian men’s hockey team has a storied Olympic history, boasting 12 medals, including eight gold, one silver, and three bronze. The Harmanpreet-led team aims to add another medal to this impressive tally, drawing inspiration from past achievements while focusing on the task ahead.

Indian Squad for Paris 2024 Olympics:

Goalkeepers: