New Delhi [India], August 20 (ANI): Hockey India on Wednesday introduced the 18-member Indian Men’s Hockey squad for the upcoming Men’s Asia Cup, scheduled to be held on the lately developed Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar from August 29 to September 7 of this yr.
As a qualifier for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium-Netherlands 2026, the event locations India in Pool A with Japan, China, and Kazakhstan. India will start their marketing campaign towards China on August 29, earlier than going through Japan on August 31 and Kazakhstan on September 1, as per a press launch from Hockey India.
Veteran drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will proceed to function Captain within the continental event. The squad general includes a sturdy group of skilled campaigners, with depth and stability throughout all departments.
The goalkeeping duties might be shared by the reliable Krishan B Pathak and Suraj Karkera. In defence, captain Harmanpreet Singh and Amit Rohidas might be joined by Jarmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Sanjay, and Jugraj Singh, offering solidity on the again.
The midfield engine room contains Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, and Hardik Singh. Leading the assault, the ahead line might be spearheaded by Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, and Dilpreet Singh, providing loads of firepower to bother opposition defences.
Meanwhile, Nilam Sanjeep Xess and Selvam Karthi have been named because the reserve gamers, as per a press launch from Hockey India.
Speaking on the staff choice, Indian Men’s Team Coach Craig Fulton stated, as quoted by the press launch, ‘We’ve gone with an skilled squad that understands what it takes to carry out in high-pressure conditions. The Asia Cup is essential for us as a result of qualification for the World Cup is at stake, so we wanted gamers who’ve the composure, resilience, and know-how to ship. The choice displays our intent — to place ahead a staff that may compete strongly and obtain our predominant goal.’
‘I’m more than happy with the stability and high quality throughout the squad. We have leaders in each line — defence, midfield, and assault — and that collective power is what excites me probably the most. I believe the best way this staff can play collectively might be our strongest asset,’ he added.
Indian Men’s Hockey Team for Men’s Asia Cup 2025:
Goalkeepers:
1. Krishan B Pathak.
2. Suraj Karkera.
Defenders:
3. Sumit.
4. Jarmanpreet Singh.
5. Sanjay.
6. Harmanpreet Singh.
7. Amit Rohidas.
8. Jugraj Singh.
Midfielders:
9. Rajinder Singh.
10. Raj Kumar Pal.
11. Hardik Singh.
12. Manpreet Singh.
13. Vivek Sagar Prasad.
Forwards:
14. Mandeep Singh.
15. Shilanand Lakra.
16. Abhishek.
17. Sukhjeet Singh.
18. Dilpreet Singh.
Reserves:
1. Nilam Sanjeep Xess.
2. Selvam Karthi. (ANI)