Hockey, Paris Olympics: Sreejesh gets goalkeeping nod, no Jugraj Singh in Harmanpreet Singh-led India squad

PR Sreejesh, expectedly, made the cut as India’s solitary goalkeeper in the men’s hockey team squad for Paris Olympics as the 16-member contingent was announced on Wednesday. Second goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak is part of the reserves.

Star drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will lead the Indian team while midfielder Hardik Singh has been named as the vice captain. Harmanpreet is set to play in his third Olympics, having debuted as the youngest member of the Indian squad at the 2016 Rio Olympics and subsequently contributing to the Bronze medal win at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The squad also features veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and midfielder Manpreet Singh, both of whom will be making their fourth Olympic appearances.

Perhaps the main surprise is Jugraj Singh missing out, with the defender – who has been second-choice drag-flicker – only making the alternate list.

There are five Olympic debutants in the squad that has been named after trials at the ongoing national camp at the SAI Centre in Bengaluru. They are Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Raj Kumar Pal, Abhishek, and Sukhjeet Singh.

Speaking on the team selection, Chief Coach Craig Fulton said, “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. Our journey has been marked by unwavering commitment to excellence and a collective drive to elevate Indian hockey on the world stage.”

He added, “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 are placed in Pool B alongside defending champions Belgium, familiar foes Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, and Ireland. To advance to the Quarter-Finals, the team must secure a top-four finish in their pool. Pool A comprises the Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, South Africa, and host nation France.

India will kick off their campaign on 27 July against New Zealand, followed by a match against Argentina on 29th July. They will then face Ireland and Belgium on 30th July and 1st August, respectively, with their final group stage game against Australia on 2nd August.

Indian Men’s Hockey Team for Paris 2024 Olympics:

Goalkeeper: PR Sreejesh

Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Sanjay

Midfielders: Rajkumar Pal, Shamsher Singh, Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad

Forwards: Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Mandeep Singh, Gurjant Singh

Alternate Athletes: Nilakanta Sharma, Jugraj Singh, Krishan Bahadur Pathak

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