New Delhi: Eight players from Punjab have been named in the Indian men’s hockey team for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to 30.
The Punjab contingent includes captain Harmanpreet Singh, former captain Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh.
Among them, Manpreet, Hardik, Mandeep and Sukhjeet hail from Jalandhar, while the other players also share strong ties with the city, having honed their skills at the Surjit Hockey Stadium.
Manpreet, who recently became India’s most-capped men’s hockey player, is the most experienced member of the squad and remains a key figure in the national team.
Sukhjeet Singh’s inclusion is another inspiring story. After recovering from partial paralysis a few years ago, he returned to represent India at the Paris Olympics, where the team secured the bronze medal.
Congratulating the selected players, Hockey Punjab president Nitin Kohli and general secretary Amrik Singh Powar expressed confidence in India’s chances at the World Cup.
They said Punjab was proud to see Harmanpreet Singh once again leading the national team, while Manpreet Singh’s vast international experience would be invaluable.
The officials added that the squad had the right blend of experienced campaigners and talented youngsters and expressed confidence that India has the ability to challenge for the World Cup title.
