India will play five matches in Australia on 6, 7, 10, 12 and 13 April.
The Indian men’s hockey team has left for Australia to compete in a five-match Test series beginning 6 April, a crucial assignment before the Paris Olympics in July-August. The Harmanpreet Singh-led team travelled for Australia on Monday night.
India have been in good form recently where they won three of four matches during the FIH Pro League in Bhubaneswar.
After the opening game on 6 April, the series features matches on 7, 10, 12 and 13 April.
The series is pivotal for the team to enhance their performance, build and check-through the improvement areas before the Paris Olympics, Hockey India said in a press release.
“As we embark on this crucial tour to Australia, we are filled with determination and excitement. The series presents an excellent opportunity for us to assess our strengths and areas for improvement ahead of the Paris Olympics,” Harmanpreet said before the side’s departure.
“We are fully committed to giving our best on the field and making every moment count.”
Vice-captain Hardik Singh stated that this tour holds immense significance. “We have been working hard as a team to refine our skills and strategies, and we are confident in our abilities. We are focused on putting up a strong performance and making our country proud,” he said.
The Indian Team:
GOALKEEPERS: Krishan Bahadur Pathak, PR Sreejesh, Suraj Karkera
DEFENDERS: Harmanpreet Singh (C), Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, Amir Ali
MIDFIELDERS: Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh (VC), Vivek Sagar Prasad, Shamsher Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Rajkumar Pal, Vishnukant Singh.
FORWARDS: Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Abhishek, Dilpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Gurjant Singh, Mohammed Raheel Mouseen, Boby Singh Dhami, Araijeet Singh Hundal.
