The Indian men’s hockey team, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, has set its sights on defending their Asian Champions Trophy title in Hulunbuir, China this month. The team, fresh off a historic second consecutive Olympic bronze medal in Paris, is eager to continue their momentum and prove their dominance on the Asian stage.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh, however, emphasizes the importance of leaving the Olympic euphoria behind and focusing on the new challenge ahead. “With a brief break after the Paris Olympics, the team is ready to take on the best hockey playing nations in Asia and prove its mettle,” he said. “We had a good outing in Paris but hockey is a very close game, we cannot rest on our laurels.”
The tournament, which will take place from September 8 to 17, features a strong field of competitors including Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan, and host nation China. India will kick off their campaign against China on September 8, followed by a match against Japan the next day. After a one-day break, they will face Malaysia on September 11, followed by Korea on September 12 and their arch-rival Pakistan on September 14.
The top four teams from the group stage will advance to the semifinals, scheduled for September 16, with the final taking place on September 17. India, the most successful team in the tournament’s history with four titles, will be aiming to add another trophy to their collection.
Vice-captain Vivek Sagar Prasad adds another layer of excitement to the team’s preparation. The squad boasts a few new players with immense potential, who are eager to prove themselves on the international stage. “We will do our best to create a nurturing environment for them on the way to our title defense,” Prasad stated, highlighting the team’s commitment to fostering a supportive atmosphere for their upcoming talent.
The Indian hockey team, under the leadership of Harmanpreet Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad, is ready to embark on this new challenge and demonstrate their unwavering commitment to winning. With a strong team spirit and a focus on achieving their goals, they are prepared to face the competition head-on and fight for the Asian Champions Trophy title.
