Hockey
India announce 18-member squad for Asian Champions Trophy, Hardik rested
India, the defending champions, will take on hosts China in their campaign opener on September 8.
Hockey India, on Wednesday, named an 18-member Indian men's squad for the forthcoming Asian Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia in China from September 8 to 17.
This will be the first tournament for India since their bronze medal-winning performance in the Paris Olympics 2024. The tournament will also mark the beginning of next Olympic cycle for India and their Asian rivals.
The team composition suggested a blend of experience and youth.
Ten players from the Olympic medal-winning team have been named in the squad, while five players - Hardik Singh, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, Shamsher Singh and Gurjant Singh - have been rested for this tournament.
The tournament will see Asia's top countries including India, South Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan and hosts China vie for the top honour.
The defending champions India will be led by ace drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh and midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad has been appointed his deputy.
Krishan Bahadur Pathak first choice keeper
As goalkeeper PR Sreejesh announced his retirement, Hockey India named Krishan Bahadur Pathak as the first-choice goalkeeper, while Suraj Karkera has been named as the stand-by.
Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay and Sumit have been included in the squad as defenders.
Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Manpreet Singh, and Mohd. Raheel will form the midfield, while a young forward line will lead the attack, featuring Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Uttam Singh, and debutant Gurjot Singh.
Talking about the Asian Championships Trophy, head coach Craig Fulton said, "This is an important campaign for us to ensure we build on our ranking points. The team has just returned to the camp after all the celebrations following our performance in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The past few weeks have truly been incredible with all the love and adulation for the team and we hope this support will continue all through our future campaigns."
"The new Olympic cycle for us begins with the Asian Champions Trophy and we are ready for the challenge. While we have rested a few players from the squad that played in Paris, we have brought in a few youngsters who have done well in training and have earned the opportunity to play in Asian Champions Trophy," he added.
"We will have Gurjot making his international debut, and I believe this is a great opportunity for youngsters who have received a call-up to shine. As a team, we want to continue to dominate in the Asian continent and we will go to China to retain the title," asserted Fulton.
Indian men's hockey squad:
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, Mohammad Raheel Mouseen
Forwards
Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Uttam Singh, Gurjot Singh
Schedule
India vs China on September 8
India vs Japan on September 9
India vs Malaysia on September 11
India vs South Korea on September 12
India vs Pakistan on September 14
Semifinals on September 16
Final on September 17