India, led by Sanjay, will take on the host on November 19, 21 and 22 at the Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium in Auckland. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Olympic bronze medallist Sanjay will lead a young Indian men’s hockey team on a three-match tour of New Zealand from November 15 to 23, marking 100 years of sporting ties between the two countries.

India will take on the host on November 19, 21 and 22 at the Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium in Auckland.

The tour commemorates the historic 1926 visit of an Indian Army hockey team, featuring the legendary Major Dhyan Chand, which became the first Indian team from any sport to tour New Zealand.

The 20-member squad announced by Hockey India on Monday comprises a mix of emerging Under-21 players and members of the current India A core, providing young talents with an opportunity to gain international exposure.

Chief coach Craig Fulton said the matches would also help the support staff assess the emerging players against strong opposition in home conditions.

Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said the tour would celebrate a century of sporting friendship while providing young players with an opportunity to showcase their potential.