Two new players in defender Pratap Lakra from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh’s Uttam Singh were on Thursday added to the already existing 38-member core group for the ongoing senior men’s National Coaching Camp, at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Bengaluru.
Pratap captained Gangpur-Odisha to bronze in the 8th Hockey India Junior Men’s National Championship. He has represented India in several U-21 tournaments and was part of the team that won silver at the 9th Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia (2019) and bronze at the 7th Sultan of Johor Cup (2017).
Uttam, who has captained the Indian under-21 team , made his senior India debut in the 2022 Asia Cup and also led the team to victory in the 2022 Sultan of Johor Cup. In 2023, he captained the Indian team in the Men’s Junior Asia Cup, Sultan of Johor Cup and FIH Junior World Cup.
The camp, which began on April 25, initially featured 54 probables. After a week of assessment, the squad has now been streamlined to 40 players based on recent performances and current form.
While 38 athletes from the previous core group have maintained their positions, these two new players have earned their call-ups owing to standout performances in the 15th senior men’s National Championship and during the early days of the camp.
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In a statement issued by Hockey India, Indian men’s hockey team chief coach Craig Fulton said, “The decision to trim the group to 40 was not easy, but it reflects the high standards we’re aiming for. The players have shown tremendous effort and focus. Those selected have proven themselves not only in national championships but also through their attitude in training.”
“This group gives us depth across all departments, and I’m particularly pleased with how the young players are stepping up and challenging the more experienced names. It’s a good sign ahead of our preparation phase for major upcoming tournaments,” he added.
Full list of players
Goalkeepers: Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Suraj Karkera, Pawan, Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar
Defenders: Amit Rohidas, Varun Kumar, Jugraj Singh, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Amandeep Lakra, Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Yashdeep Siwach, Mohammed Raheel Mouseen, Pratap Lakra
Midfielders: Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh, Sumit, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Poovanna Chandura Boby, Rajinder Singh, Vishnu Kant Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Shamsher Singh
Forwards: Gurjant Singh, Abhishek, Shilanand Lakra, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Boby Singh Dhami, Selvam Karthi, Sunil Jojo, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Dilpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Sudeep Chirmako, Angad Bir Singh, Uttam Singh.
