New Delhi, (UNI) Hockey India on Wednesday announced its 18-member squad for the prestigious Asian Champions Trophy, set to unfold in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, China, from September 8 to 17.
Leading the charge in goal will be Krishan Bahadur Pathak, tasked with anchoring India’s defense as the team aims to defend its title in this elite tournament featuring Asia’s hockey powerhouses.
Defending champions India will be spearheaded by star dragflicker Harmanpreet Singh, with experienced midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad serving as vice-captain. The squad is a blend of seasoned players and emerging talent, showcasing a strategic mix of experience and youth.
Pathak will be supported in the goalkeeping role by Suraj Karkera. The defense will be anchored by Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, and Sumit, forming a formidable line in front of Pathak.
In midfield, Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Manpreet Singh, and Mohammad Raheel will provide crucial support, while a dynamic forward line, including Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Uttam Singh, and debutant Gurjot Singh, will drive the attack.
This squad selection combines the experience of ten players from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games bronze-winning team with fresh talent. Notably, five players—Hardik Singh, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, Shamsher Singh, and Gurjant Singh—have been rested for this tournament.
Chief Coach Craig Fulton highlighted the importance of this tournament in the team’s new Olympic cycle. “This is a vital campaign for us to build on our ranking points. Following the celebrations from Paris 2024, we hope to carry forward the support we’ve received. The Asian Champions Trophy marks the start of our new Olympic journey, and with Gurjot making his debut, it’s an opportunity for our young players to shine. Our goal is to retain the title and maintain our dominance in Asia,” Fulton asserted.
India’s campaign begins on September 8 against China, with matches against Japan on September 9, Malaysia on September 11, Korea on September 12, and Pakistan on September 14. The semi-finals and finals will take place on September 16 and 17, respectively.
Indian Men’s Hockey Team: Goalkeepers: Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Suraj Karkera
Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh (C), Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit
Midfielders: Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad (VC), Manpreet Singh, Mohd. Raheel Mouseen
Forwards: Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Uttam Singh, Gurjot Singh.
