New Delhi, November 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Olympic bronze medallist Sanjay will lead a 20-member Indian men’s hockey squad on a tour of New Zealand from November 15 to 23, as the two countries prepare to celebrate 100 years of sporting ties.
Hockey India announced the squad on Monday for a three-match series against New Zealand. All three matches will be played at the Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium in Auckland on November 19, 21 and 22.
Titled the ‘2026 India/New Zealand Century of Sporting Unity Event – 100 Years of Unity Between India and New Zealand through Sports Partnership’, the tour marks a century since an Indian Army hockey team featuring legendary Major Dhyan Chand became the first Indian team from any sport to tour New Zealand in 1926.
The squad combines Under-21 prospects with players from the current India A group. Chief Coach Craig Fulton said the matches would help assess emerging talent and strengthen the depth of the national setup.
“The squad is a blend of some upcoming under-21 players and the core of the current India A group. These matches come at the right time to challenge the squad in three matches against a solid New Zealand team playing at home,” Fulton said.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey described the tour as an opportunity for young players to gain international experience while representing the country during an important milestone in bilateral sporting relations.
“The New Zealand tour is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate 100 years of sporting friendship between our nations. I am confident our young players will make the most of this experience and showcase Indian hockey’s talent and potential,” Tirkey said.
Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh said the tour would provide promising players with a platform to demonstrate their abilities and readiness for future challenges.
Sanjay, who was part of India’s bronze-medal-winning squad at the Paris 2024 Olympics, will lead a team comprising two goalkeepers, six defenders, seven midfielders and five forwards.
India Squad
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Goalkeepers: Mohith HS, Pawan
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Defenders: Talem Priyobarta, Sanjay (captain), Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Sharda Nand Tiwari, Anmol Ekka, Yashdeep Siwach
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Midfielders: Angad Bir Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Rabichandra Singh, Vishnukant Singh, Manmeet Singh, Rosan Kujur, Venkatesh Kenche
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Forwards: Ajeet Yadav, Uttam Singh, Karthi Selvam, Arshdeep Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal
Tour Fixtures (IST)
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November 19: 11:00 am
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November 21: 8:30 am
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November 22: 6:30 am
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