Hockey star of SAI NCOE Bhopal’s Amandeep to be a part of FIH Pro League, Wins Player of the Tournament Award in Hockey India League

 

‘Aparajita’ Shukla Amandeep Lakra has now been selected for the Indian Senior Men’s Hockey team for the upcoming FIH Pro League. This annual global league where the best men’s teams compete head to head. The tournament begins on February 10 in Rourkela. India to host the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025-26 at Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Rourkela. Amandeep, an emerging hockey talent from SAI NCOE Bhopal, has scripted a remarkable chapter in Indian hockey with a sensational performance at the recently concluded Hockey India League (HIL) 2026. Representing Hyderabad Toofans, Amandeep was named Player of the Tournament after playing a decisive role in his team’s bronze medal finish, scoring an impressive nine goals during the tournament. Born in Sundargarh, Odisha, and coming from a family deeply rooted in hockey, Amandeep’s journey has been shaped by dedication and sacrifice. His father, Vijay K Lakra, is a hockey coach who could not fulfil his dream of representing India as a player. Carrying that legacy forward, Amandeep has expressed his determination to play for India and win an international medal, thereby realising his father’s long-cherished dream.

 

He began playing hockey in 2013, inspired by former Indian hockey legend and Padma Shri awardee Dilip Tirkey, and has since remained relentless in his pursuit of excellence. At the international junior level, Amandeep has already made a strong impact. He has represented the Indian Junior National Team in major tournaments, winning gold medals at the Junior Asia Cup and Johor Cup 2022, followed by a bronze medal at the Johor Cup 2023, underlining his consistency and composure on big stages. Expressing pride in his ward’s achievement, P Sudhakaran, Senior Coach at SAI NCOE Bhopal, said, “This is a proud moment for all of us at SAI NCOE Bhopal. Amandeep, who has been a part of SAI NCOE Bhopal since 2024, is truly deserving of the Player of the Tournament award in the country’s biggest hockey league. His discipline, hunger to improve, and mental strength set him apart, and we firmly believe he has the potential to represent India at the highest level.” Adding another significant milestone to his rapidly rising career.

 

Amandeep Lakra has now been selected for the Indian Senior Men’s Hockey Team it is a matter of pride for all of us. This selection marks a major step forward in his transition from junior success to the senior international arena. Currently, Amandeep is attending the Senior National Camp in Bengaluru, where he is training alongside established Indian hockey stars such as Harmanpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar, and others, further sharpening his skills as he prepares to don the national colours on the world stage. In the goalkeeping department, Pawan, Suraj Karkera, Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar and Princedeep Singh have been named. The defensive unit includes experienced campaigners such as captain Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh and Sanjay, along with Jugraj Singh, Sumit, Poovanna Chandura Boby, Yashdeep Siwach, Nilam Sanjeep Xess and Amandeep Lakra. Hockey India on Thursday announced a 33-member core probable group for the senior men’s national coaching camp. Amandeep has got the place in this squad fulfilling his father’s dream.