In NEW DELHI:  A 33-member core group of probables for the national hockey camp commencing October 3 to make ready for the Pro League 2022-2023 season opener in Bhubaneswar was announced on Saturday, with almost the toper names figuring in the list.

At the Kalinga stadium in Bhubaneswar, the Indian squad will compete against both New Zealand and Spain.

The core group consists of Pawan, Krishan B Pathak, and veteran goalie PR Sreejesh. Along with midfielders Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Shamsher Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Rajkumar Pal, and Pawan Rajbhar, the list also includes defenders Jarmanpreet Singh, Surender Kumar, Harmanpreet Singh, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Mandeep Mor.

The core group for the forward position includes Akashdeep Singh, Gurjant Singh, Maninder Singh, Mohd. Raheel Mouseen, S. Karthi, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Abhishek, Dilpreet Singh, and Sukhjeet Singh.

Graham Reid, the head coach, said: "Prior to the Men's World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela, we will get insight into the areas that need improvement from the Pro League 2022–2023 season. The players are cheerful and enthusiastic about the next hockey seasons, and the games against Spain and New Zealand are crucial for us. In the core group, we have selected some new faces who have demonstrated great potential and are willing to deliver when called upon.

"On October 28, India will play New Zealand in their inaugural game. Spain will be their next opponent on October 30. On November 4, India will face New Zealand in a doubleheader. On November 6, India will face Spain in their second game. On October 21, the squad will depart for Bhubaneswar after a three-week camp in SAI, Bangalore.

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