Fresh faces come in as India Hockey announces squad for Asian Champions Trophy

The Indian men’s hockey team has announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy, set to take place in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, China, from September 8 to 17, 2024.

The tournament will feature top Asian teams, including India, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan, and hosts China, competing for honors. This Indian squad boasts a blend of young and new names alongside the experienced names who tasted glory at the Paris Games.

The Asian Champions Trophy will see India and their new generation of hockey stars try and ensure a longer run of success following their historic bronze medal victory at the Paris Olympics. Amongst the experienced lot, drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will continue his captaincy duties in the side, along with midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad serving as the vice-captain.

This tournament marks a new chapter for the team, especially with star goalkeeper PR Sreejesh retiring after the Olympics. The Indian goalkeeping duties will be shared between Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera in the competition. The defence lineup includes experienced players like Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, and Sumit. The midfield will see the likes of Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Manpreet Singh, and Mohd. Raheel, providing a strong core to the team.

The squad features what is a young forward line, featuring the likes of Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Uttam Singh, and will also see Gurjot Singh get a chance to make his national team debut. Coach Criag Fulton and the team management have decided to rest the likes of Hardik Singh, Mandeep Singh, and Lalit Upadhyay for the tournament, with only ten players from the Paris Olympics squad retained.

India Asian Champions Trophy Full 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

India’s campaign kicks off on September 8 against China, followed by matches against Japan, Malaysia, Korea, and arch-rivals Pakistan. The tournament will be a crucial test for India as they look to extend their recent success and build momentum ahead of future international challenges.