New Delhi [India], July 1 (ANI): Hockey India on Tuesday announced the India A Men's Hockey Team squad for its upcoming tour of Europe, scheduled to take place from July 8 to July 20. The tour will feature a total of eight matches against some of the top European sides and is aimed at providing valuable international exposure to a mix of emerging and experienced players.

The India A team will play two matches each against Ireland, France and the Netherlands, along with one match each against England and Belgium. These high-intensity games are expected to test the depth and readiness of India's talent pool as the national setup looks to build a strong pipeline for the senior team.

The 20-member squad comprises a blend of seasoned performers and promising youngsters who have impressed in domestic and international circuits. The team will be captained by Sanjay, while Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh will be his deputy.

The squad includes goalkeepers Pawan and Mohit Honnenahalli Shashikumar and defenders Pratap Lakra, Varun Kumar, Amandeep Lakra, Parmod, and Sanjay.

In the midfield department, Poovanna Chandura Boby, Mohammed Raheel Mouseen, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Vishnukant Singh, Pardeep Singh, and Rajinder Singh are present, while the forward line-up includes Angadbir Singh, Boby Singh Dhami, Maninder Singh, Venkatesh Kenche, Aditya Arjun Lalge, Selvam Karthi, and Uttam Singh.

The standby list includes goalkeeper Ankit Malik, defender Sunil Jojo, and forward Sudeep Chirmako.

During the tour, the team will be coached by Shivendra Singh, who is also the assistant coach of the Indian Men's Hockey Team and brings a wealth of experience and a sharp focus on attacking play.

Speaking about the tour, Shivendra Singh said, 'This tour is an important platform for our players to experience the tempo, structure, and intensity of European hockey. We have selected a squad that balances potential and experience, and I am confident this tour will be immensely beneficial in grooming the next batch of international players for India.'

India A will begin its European sojourn on 8th July, with the first match against Ireland. The tour is part of Hockey India's long-term vision to bolster the talent pipeline and provide international match time to the next generation of Indian hockey stars.

India A Squad for Europe Tour: Goalkeepers: Pawan, Mohit Honnenahalli Shashikumar Defenders: Pratap Lakra, Varun Kumar, Amandeep Lakra, Parmod, Sanjay (C) Midfielders: Poovanna Chandura Boby, Mohammed Raheel Mouseen, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh (VC), Vishnukant Singh, Pardeep Singh, Rajinder Singh Forwards: Angadbir Singh, Boby Singh Dhami, Maninder Singh, Venkatesh Kenche, Aditya Arjun Lalge, Selvam Karthi, Uttam Singh Standbys: Ankit Malik (Goalkeeper), Sunil Jojo (Defender), Sudeep Chirmako (Forward). (ANI)