India is set to defend its Asian Champions Trophy title with a strong 18-member squad announced by Hockey India. The tournament, scheduled for September 8 to 17, 2024, in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, China, will see India face off against top Asian hockey nations like Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan, and the host nation.
Leading the team will be ace drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh, supported by experienced midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad as the Vice Captain. The squad boasts a mix of experience and youth, with 10 players from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Bronze medal team included. Five key players, including Hardik Singh, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, Shamsher Singh, and Gurjant Singh, have been rested for this tournament.
Goalkeeping duties will be shared by Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera, while the defense will be anchored by Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, and Sumit. The midfield will see the experience of Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Manpreet Singh, and Mohd. Raheel, while a young forward line featuring Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Uttam Singh, and debutant Gurjot Singh will lead the attack.
Chief Coach Craig Fulton expressed his excitement for the tournament, emphasizing the importance of building on their ranking points. He highlighted the team’s recent success at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the continued support they have received.
“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,” said Fulton.
He also emphasized the opportunity for the young players to shine, with Gurjot making his international debut. “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. 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.
India’s campaign begins on September 8th with a match against China, followed by a clash against Japan on September 9th. After a day of rest, they will face Malaysia on September 11th and Korea on September 12th. India will then take on arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14th, with the semifinals scheduled for September 16th and the final on September 17th.
Here is the full Indian Men’s Hockey Team squad:
Goalkeepers:
1. Krishan Bahadur Pathak
2. Suraj Karkera
Defenders:
3. Jarmanpreet Singh
4. Amit Rohidas
5. Harmanpreet Singh (C)
6. Jugraj Singh
7. Sanjay
8. Sumit
Midfielders:
9. Raj Kumar Pal
10. Nilakanta Sharma
11. Vivek Sagar Prasad (VC)
12. Manpreet Singh
13. Mohd. Raheel Mouseen
Forwards:
14. Abhishek
15. Sukhjeet Singh
16. Araijeet Singh Hundal
17. Uttam Singh
18. Gurjot Singh
