Hockey India revealed the 18-member team for the forthcoming Men’s Asia Cup on Wednesday. The competition will take place from August 29 to September 7 at the newly constructed Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar.
Harmanpreet Singh, an experienced drag flicker, will remain the tournament’s captain. Overall, the squad consists of a solid collection of seasoned combatants that are balanced and have depth in every department.
India is placed in Pool A as a qualifier for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium-Netherlands 2026, along with China, Japan, and Kazakhstan. On August 29, India will open their campaign against China. On August 31, they will take on Japan, and on September 1, they will take on Kazakhstan.
Suraj Karkera and the reliable Krishan B. Pathak will split goalkeeping responsibilities. Jarmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Sanjay, and Jugraj Singh will join skipper Harmanpreet and Amit Rohidas in defense, offering stability at the back.
Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, and Vivek Sagar Prasad make up the midfield engine room. Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, and Dilpreet Singh will lead the assault and provide enough firepower to challenge the opposition’s defenses.
Selvam Karthi and Nilam Sanjeep Xess have been designated as backup athletes in the meantime.
Coach Craig Fulton discussed the team’s selection, saying, “We’ve chosen an experienced group that knows how to produce under duress. We need players with the poise, tenacity, and expertise to produce because the Asia Cup is vital to our chances of qualifying for the World Cup. Our intention to field a team capable of fierce competition and accomplishing our primary goal is reflected in the selection.
“I’m really happy with the squad’s quality and balance. The thing that thrills me the most is our collective strength, since we have leaders in every line: attack, midfield, and defense. Our greatest strength, in my opinion, will be the way this squad can work together,” he continued.
Goalkeepers: Krishan B Pathak, Suraj Karkera
Defenders: Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh.
Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad.
Forwards: Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh.
Alternate athletes: Nilam Sanjeep Xess and Selvam Karthi