Indian hockey at Paris Olympics 2024: 3 players who missed out in the squad
Hockey India announced a strong 16-member Indian men’s hockey team on Wednesday, June 26, that will take part in the Paris Olympics 2024, scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh is all set to play his third Olympics after making his Games debut at the Rio Olympics in 2016 and he played a crucial role in taking the Indian hockey side to a bronze medal win at Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
A total of five Olympic debutants in the Indian men's hockey squad namely Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Raj Kumar Pal, Abhishek, and Sukhjeet Singh. Powerful midfielder Hardik Singh will act as Harmanpreet’s deputy.
Notably, the Indian men’s hockey team has secured an excellent 12 Olympic medals, including eight gold, one silver, and three bronze medals. Harmanpreet Singh-led side would be aiming to add another medal to this tally in the quadrennial event in Paris.
Though the majority of the squad was picked on the expected lines, there are a few omissions in the main squad that may raise a few eyebrows. That said, let’s take a look at three players who missed out on the main squad.
#3 Araijeet Singh Hundal
The 20-year-old young Indian forward Araijeet Singh Hundal didn’t find his name in the main squad and also in the alternate players list. Ahead of the squad selection, the question was about youngsters or seniors in the forwards section.
However, Craig Fulton went ahead with Lalit over Araijeet, which speaks about his decision to go ahead with the experience in front of the goal. Other seniors Mandeep Singh and Akashdeep Singh also couldn’t make the cut due to their poor form.
#2 Jugraj Singh
Craig Fulton went ahead with Amit Rohidas, and Sumit and dropped the drag-flicker Jugraj Singh to the alternatives list. Jugraj can come into the main squad in case there is any injury concern.
Though Jugraj is known for his exceptional power behind his drag flicks, his accuracy hasn’t been top-notch. One of the major reasons behind his absence from the main squad could be his concerning defense skills.
#1 Krishan Pathak
Asian Games 2023 gold medallist goalkeeper Krishan Pathak couldn’t find a spot in the main squad as he was dropped to the alternatives list. A few years ago, Pathak was giving tough time for his senior goalkeeping partner Sreejesh with his exceptional performances.
However, when Sreejesh hits red-hot form, there is no better goalkeeper than him in the world. Importantly, Sreejesh’s heroics helped India win three shootouts in this FIH Pro League season, which led to his selection over Pathak.