India has announced a 16-member squad for the Paris Olympics 2024. The men’s hockey squad will be led by Harmanpreet Singh while Hardik Singh play the role of vice-captain.
The squad is an interesting mix of experience and youth. It has several players who have already represented India at the Olympics on various occasions, while some will be making their maiden Olympic appearance.
Speaking on the team selection for Paris Olympics 2024, Chief Coach Craig Fulton said, “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.”
While the much awaited Indian hockey squad has been announced for Paris Olympics 2024, let us have a look at the five hockey players who would be making their Olympic debut at the summer games.
Jarmanpreet Singh
Jarmanpreet Singh missed out on the historic bronze medal campaign in 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Japan. The defender has been a constant feature of Indian hockey team under chief coach Craig Fulton, including every match of the Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023, the Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, the Test matches against South Africa and Australia, and all FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 matches.
Also Read: Jarmanpreet Hopeful Of Making His Olympic Debut In Paris
Sanjay
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Sanjay was part of the gold medal winning team at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. He also represented India in 2021 Junior World Cup in Bhubaneswar.
The defender was a member of team that won gold medal at the Asian Champions Trophy in 2023.
Raj Kumar Pal
Raj Kumar Pal made his debut for India in 2021. He participated in 2022 Asia Cup in Jakarta in which India won bronze medal.
The midfielder was also a part of the Asian Champions Trophy in Dhaka in 2021 that won bronze medal.
Abhishek
Abhishek marked his debut for India in 2022. The forward participated at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in which India bagged silver medal.
He also featured in the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China in which India won the gold medal.
Also Read: Olympic Games: How A Sport Is Selected In The Olympics?
Sukhjeet Singh
Sukhjeet Singh appeared for Indian at the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar – Rourkela.
The forward was a member of the Indian team that won gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. The player who in 2022 debuted in the Indian team also won the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai.
