New Delhi: Defender and drag-flick specialist Sanjay has been appointed captain of India’s young men’s hockey team for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, where the two sides will play a three-match series in Auckland from November 19 to 22.
The series marks 100 years of hockey ties between India and New Zealand. The Indian team will face the hosts at Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium on November 19, 21 and 22.
The historic connection dates back to 1926, when an Indian Army hockey team led by legendary player Major Dhyan Chand toured New Zealand. It was the first Indian sporting team to visit the country. The centenary series is expected to strengthen the longstanding hockey relationship between the two nations.
The tour will provide an opportunity for emerging Indian players to demonstrate their abilities and push for regular places in the senior national side.
Sanjay, who was part of India’s bronze medal-winning squad at the 2024 Paris Olympics under captain Harmanpreet Singh, is among the four players from the Indian team that recently retained the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy for a third consecutive time. The other three are Angad Bir Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage and Vishnukant Singh.
Several players have also returned to the national setup after a prolonged absence. These include forwards Uttam Singh, Arijit Singh Hundal and Karthi Selvam, defender Yashdeep Siwach and goalkeeper Mohit H.S.
The selection reflects India’s efforts to build a younger and competitive squad with an eye on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. With several senior players approaching the later stages of their international careers, the team management is looking to identify and develop the next generation of players.
The penalty-corner responsibilities will be shared by captain Sanjay, Arijit Singh Hundal, and junior World Cup bronze-winning team captain Rosan Kujur and Shardanand Tiwari.
Senior National Hockey Selection Committee chairman Ram Prakash had earlier indicated that young players would receive opportunities following India’s successful Asian Champions Trophy campaign. The New Zealand tour is part of the broader effort to assess emerging talent and strengthen the national team’s depth.
Chief coach Craig Fulton said the squad comprises several promising players from the Under-21 age group alongside members of India’s existing A-core group.
He noted that the three-match series would provide a valuable test against a strong New Zealand side and help the coaching staff assess the players in an international competitive environment.
Indian Squad for New Zealand Tour
-
Goalkeepers: Mohit H.S., Pawan
-
Defenders: Sanjay (Captain), Yashdeep Siwach, Talem Priyabrat, Shardanand Tiwari, Anmol Ekka, Neelam Sanjeep Khes
-
Midfielders: Angad Bir Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Ravi Chandra Singh, Vishnukant Singh, Manmeet Singh, Rosan Kujur, Venkatesh Kunchi
-
Forwards: Ajit Yadav, Uttam Singh, Arijit Singh Hundal, Karthi Selvam, Arshdeep Singh
The tour will serve as an important assessment opportunity for India’s coaching staff as the national team continues its preparations for future international competitions and the next Olympic cycle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=RtToJsBhYBatUrym&v=mOuYNSdhjHA&feature=youtu.be
