The Indian hockey team is all set to take on Germany in a two-match bilateral series at home, starting from October 23. This marks the return of international hockey to the national capital after a decade. The Paris Olympics bronze-medallists India will be facing the world champions and Paris silver winners Germany at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in Delhi.
In their previous encounter at the Paris Olympics, India put up a tough fight against Germany but lost 3-2 in the semifinals. The World No.2 side eventually lost to the Netherlands in the final. Now, India, ranked No.5 in the world, will be looking to capitalize on home advantage against a formidable opponent.
The Indian team has announced a full-strength 22-member squad for the series, with Harmanpreet Singh leading as captain and Vivek Sagar Prasad as vice-captain. Unfortunately, Hardik Singh, named Hockey India’s Men’s Player of the Year for 2023, will miss out due to an injury.
The schedule for the series includes two matches to be played on consecutive days, October 23 and October 24, with both matches starting at 3 PM IST.
The squad comprises goalkeepers Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera, defenders Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, Sanjay, Sumit, and Nilam Sanjeep Xess, midfielders Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Vishnu Kant Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Shamsher Singh, Mohd. Raheel Mouseen, and debutants Rajinder Singh and Aditya Arjun Lalage, as well as forwards Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Shilananda Lakra, and Aditya Arjun Lalage.
Fans can catch the action live on DD Sports on television and stream it on FanCode. Don’t miss out on this exciting clash between two hockey powerhouses!
