The upcoming matches will also serve as Angad\u2019s first overseas assignment with the India Men\u2019s Hockey team, as the 23-year-old attacker looks to make a strong impact following months of consistent training and preparation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Calling the opportunity special, the young forward expressed excitement about representing India again on the global stage. \u201cI am very excited for this opportunity because I have been training for a long time and waiting for my chance. When the opportunity finally came, it made me very happy. Now I just want to prove myself and play well for India.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on wearing the national jersey again, he described the comeback as an emotional moment. \u201cComing back to the national team after a year is a completely different feeling. Going straight into an international assignment makes it even more special and motivating.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India will face strong opponents, including Australia and Spain, during the Hobart leg, and Angad believes the team\u2019s preparations have been tailored specifically for the challenge ahead.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cOur preparation has been very good since the national camp in India. Training sessions have been designed keeping Australia and Spain in mind because they play a strong man-to-man style. The intensity has been high, and we are focusing a lot on fitness and match readiness,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite a difficult outing for the Indian team in the recent leg of the FIH Pro League in Rourkela, Angad emphasised that the squad is maintaining a positive mindset.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cEveryone has tough phases, but our focus is to stay positive and maintain our standards. Our target is to win all four matches here. We are concentrating on our performance rather than past results,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Angad also highlighted that adapting to conditions in Australia has been relatively smooth due to familiar weather conditions. \u201cThe weather here is very comfortable and quite similar to Bengaluru \u2014 neither too hot nor too cold \u2014 which has made it easier for us to adjust quickly and focus fully on our training and preparations,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
During his time away from the Indian team, Angad remained part of the national training group in Bengaluru and also played for India A in various exposure tours, thus working closely with coaches to improve specific aspects of his game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe coaches told me a few areas where I needed improvement, and I worked on them seriously. I focused on improving my speed and skills. I stayed patient and believed that if I kept improving, I would get another opportunity,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
His performances in the recent Hockey India League 2025-26, where he lifted the trophy with Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, also played a key role in earning his recall, with the coaching staff acknowledging his progress.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe HIL was very important for me because I got to play high-quality matches and learn from experienced international players. I worked on the areas the coaches had pointed out, and I was happy that the coaching staff noticed my progress and trusted me with another opportunity in the Indian team,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Talking about his playing position, Angad revealed that he prefers operating as a striker, where he can utilise his pace and attacking instincts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI like playing as a striker or winger because I can use my speed, attack aggressively and create penalty corners for the team. That is one of my strengths, and I want to contribute in the same way for India,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For the upcoming matches, the youngster has set clear personal objectives. \u201cMy goal is to help the team by earning more penalty corners and making as few mistakes as possible. This is the beginning of my journey, and I want to gain experience while contributing to the team\u2019s success.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Angad credited senior teammates and experienced international players for helping him grow both on and off the field. He particularly highlighted learning professional habits and match preparation by observing top players during the Hero Hockey India League.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI learned a lot by observing senior international players \u2014 how they manage themselves off the field, their recovery, diet and training routines. I have changed many things in my preparation, and there will be a big difference between last year\u2019s Angad and this year\u2019s Angad,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also acknowledged the support of teammates Sanjay and Araijeet Singh Hundal, who helped him stay positive during his journey back to the national team.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThey guided me on staying patient and trusting the process. We supported each other and kept motivating one another to return stronger,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also acknowledged the support of teammates Sanjay and Araijeet Singh Hundal, who helped him stay positive during his journey back to the national team.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s 11 versus 11 on the field. Whoever shows more commitment and determination will win. Our approach is simple \u2014 stay confident, play our game, and aim to win all four matches,\u201d Angad signed off.<\/p>\r\n\r\n