new delhi, Nov 9
Despite failing to lift the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup for more than a decade, Hockey India has decided to field a youthful side under defender Sanjay at the 31st edition of the tournament in Ipoh, Malaysia from November 23-30 resting several senior players, including regular skipper Harmanpreet Singh. Along with Harmanpreet, both of India’s first-choice goalkeepers, Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera, have also been rested. Pawan and Mohith Honnenahalli Shashi-kumar have been drafted into the national side as the custodians while the defensive line will feature Sanjay, Jugraj Singh, Amit Rohidas, Poovanna Chandura Boby, Nilam Sanjeep Xess and Yashdeep Siwach.
In midfield, the experienced Nilakanta Sharma will join Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, Vivek Sagar Prasad and Mohammed Raheel Mouseen. The forward line will include Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Selvam Karthi, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Dilpreet Singh and Abhishek.
The standbys for the competition are Varun Kumar, Vishnu Kant Singh, Hardik Singh, and Angad Bir Singh.
India last lifted the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title in 2010 and finished as runners-up in 2019.
Speaking on the squad selection, India’s head coach Craig Fulton said, “The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup has always been a key tournament in the international hockey calendar, and we are excited to participate with a balanced squad. Our focus has been on sharpening our structure in both attack and defence, improving decision-making under pressure, and maintaining consistency throughout the game.” “This group has shown great discipline and hunger in training, and we believe they are ready to take on the challenge. We look forward to strong performances in Ipoh and using this tournament as an important step in our long-term 2026 World Cup and Asian Games cycle,” Fulton added.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Pawan, Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar
Defenders: Chandura Boby, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Yashdeep Siwach, Sanjay, Jugraj Singh, Amit Rohidas
Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Singh Moirangthem, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Mohammed Raheel Mouseen
Forwards: Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Selvam Karthi, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Dilpreet Singh, Abhishek
