New Delhi, June 30 (IANS) Hockey India on Tuesday announced the 22-member Junior Men’s squad for the upcoming exposure tour of Belgium, scheduled from 5 to 18 July 2026. The tour will be the team’s first assignment under newly appointed coach Frederic Soyez and will serve as a key preparatory phase ahead of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior Asia Cup later this year.

The young Indian side will face some of Europe’s strongest hockey nations during the tour, playing two matches each against Austria and Belgium, and one match each against Germany and the Netherlands. The exposure tour is expected to provide valuable international match experience while helping the team test its combinations and playing style ahead of the continental tournament.

Defender Anmol Ekka has been entrusted with the captaincy for the upcoming exposure tour. The goalkeeping unit comprises Vivek Lakra and Kunal Tewatia. The defensive line features captain Anmol Ekka, Rohit Kullu, Chirag, Ravinder, Prasant Barla, Sanjit Tirkey and V. Manimaran.

The midfield will be occupied by Adrohit Ekka, Harpal, Jeetpal, Mukesh Toppo, Mannu Malik and Ritik Lakra. The forward line consists of Ajeet Yadav, Prabhdeep Singh, Arjun Hargude, Aryan Xess, Lovenoor Singh, Mohd. Konain Dad and Gurusewak Singh.

Notably, four members of the squad – Anmol Ekka, Adrohit Ekka, Ajeet Yadav and Rohit Kullu – were also part of the Indian team that secured the bronze medal at the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025. Their international experience is expected to add valuable depth to the squad during the tour.

Speaking on the squad announcement, coach Soyez said, “I expect this tour to help us progress on several levels. First, in terms of our game, by improving our connections, our tactical discipline and our efficiency in key moments. Then on the human side, by strengthening unity and confidence within the group. Finally, I hope this tour will give the players a better understanding of the demands of top-level international hockey and of what we need to put in place to perform consistently over time.”

India will begin their campaign against Austria on 7 and 8 July. The team will then take on the hosts, Belgium, on 10 July, Germany on 13 July, Belgium again on 14 July and conclude the tour against the Netherlands on 17 July.

Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team for Belgium Exposure Tour:

Goalkeepers: Vivek Lakra, Kunal Tewatia

Defenders: Anmol Ekka, Rohit Kullu, Chirag, Ravinder, Prasant Barla, Sanjit Tirkey, V. Manimaran

Midfielders: Adrohit Ekka, Harpal, Jeetpal, Mukesh Toppo, Mannu Malik, Ritik Lakra

Forwards: Ajeet Yadav, Prabhdeep Singh, Arjun Hargude, Aryan Xess, Lovenoor Singh, Mohd. Konain Dad, Gurusewak Singh

–IANS

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