New Delhi [India], July 29 (ANI): Hockey India on Wednesday introduced the 20-member Indian Men’s Hockey Team for the upcoming twentieth Asian Games, set to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.
Star defender and drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will proceed to steer the aspect, whereas India’s most-capped participant, veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh, will lend very important expertise to a squad that blends confirmed campaigners with rising expertise, in response to a launch.
Mohith HS and Suraj Karkera make up the goalkeeping unit, whereas Jarmanpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit and Yashdeep Siwach kind the line of defense.
The crew will rely on Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma and Vivek Sagar Prasad to marshal the midfield. Meanwhile, Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sukhjeet Singh, Mandeep Singh and Abhishek are trusted to steer the attacking line.
India, who will head into the match because the defending champions having claimed gold on the Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023 below Harmanpreet’s management, have been drawn in Pool A alongside hosts Japan, Korea, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.
Speaking on the squad choice, Chief Coach Craig Fulton mentioned, ‘The Indian squad chosen for the Asian Games may be very skilled. We stay up for the problem of taking part in in Japan the place the winner qualifies for the LA 2028 Olympics, and that’s the final objective for us as a crew and as a nation.’
Twelve groups break up into two swimming pools of six every will contest for the gold medal. All the matches are scheduled to be performed on the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara.
Captain Harmanpreet mentioned that he’s assured of the crew performing effectively on the continental showpiece. ‘Be it the kids or the senior gamers, I’ve full religion in all of the gamers to make good use of the alternatives they get. The predominant goal is to not take stress, benefit from the sport and perceive your tasks,’ he shared.
India will start their Asian Games marketing campaign towards Indonesia on 20 September, earlier than taking over Sri Lanka on 22 September, Korea on 24 September, Japan on 26 September and rounding off the pool stage towards Bangladesh on 28 September. Here’s the whole squad: Goalkeepers: Mohith HS, Suraj Karkera.Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh (c), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, Yashdeep Siwach.Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad.Forwards: Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sukhjeet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Abhishek. (ANI)