The Indian men's hockey team for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 includes eight players from Punjab. The tournament will be held in the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to 30.
Punjab Players in the World Cup Squad
The eight Punjab players named in the squad are captain Harmanpreet Singh, former captain Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Germanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh. Among them, Manpreet, Hardik, Mandeep and Sukhjeet hail from Jalandhar, while others have strong ties to the city, having honed their skills at Surjit Hockey Stadium.
Manpreet Singh: India's Most Capped Player
Manpreet Singh, who recently became India's most-capped hockey player, is the most experienced member of the squad. The former captain continues to be one of the pillars of the national team.
Sukhjeet Singh's Inspiring Journey
Sukhjeet Singh's journey is equally inspiring. After battling partial paralysis a few years ago, he has made a remarkable comeback to earn a place in the World Cup squad.
Our Take: A Strong Punjab Contingent
The selection of eight players from Punjab highlights the state's continued dominance in Indian hockey. With experienced players like Manpreet Singh and captain Harmanpreet Singh leading the way, the team looks well-balanced. Sukhjeet Singh's comeback from partial paralysis is a testament to his determination and the support system in place. As the World Cup approaches, the focus will be on how this blend of experience and resilience performs on the global stage.
