Asian Champions Trophy 2024: India Announce 18-Member Squad, Tournament Starts on September 8 in China

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Hockey India has announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy 2024, set to take place in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, China, from September 8 to 17.

This prestigious tournament will feature the top hockey nations of Asia, including India, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan, and the host nation, China.

The Indian team, the defending champions, will be captained by ace dragflicker Harmanpreet Singh, with seasoned midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad serving as the vice-captain. This squad is a blend of experienced players and promising young talent, aiming to continue India's dominance in Asian hockey.

The goalkeeping responsibilities will be shared by Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera, both of whom bring solid experience between the posts. In defense, India will rely on the likes of Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, and Sumit. These defenders have proven themselves in high-pressure situations and will be crucial to India's title defense.

The midfield will be marshaled by Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Manpreet Singh, and Mohd. Raheel, with Vivek Sagar Prasad providing leadership as vice-captain. This midfield unit combines creativity and resilience, essential for controlling the pace of the game and creating scoring opportunities.

The forward line features a mix of youth and dynamism with players like Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Uttam Singh, and the debutant Gurjot Singh. These young forwards have the potential to break through the opposition's defenses and deliver the goals needed for victory.

Key Changes

The squad includes ten players who were part of the historic bronze medal-winning team at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Notably, several key players, including Hardik Singh, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, Shamsher Singh, and Gurjant Singh, have been rested for this tournament, making way for fresh faces who have impressed during training.

Chief Coach Craig Fulton emphasized the importance of this tournament as the beginning of a new Olympic cycle. "We are ready for the challenge and have brought in a few youngsters who have earned their spots. This tournament is a great opportunity for them to shine, and as a team, we aim to continue dominating the Asian continent," he stated.

India's campaign will kick off on September 8 against hosts China, followed by matches against Japan, Malaysia, Korea, and arch-rivals Pakistan. The semi-finals and finals are scheduled for September 16 and 17, respectively, where India will be looking to retain their title and continue their winning streak in Asian hockey.

Indian Men's Hockey Team:

• Goalkeepers: Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Suraj Karkera
• Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh (C), Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit
• Midfielders: Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad (VC), Manpreet Singh, Mohd. Raheel Mouseen
• Forwards: Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Uttam Singh, Gurjot Singh