Asian Games 2023: Indian Men’s Hockey Team leaves for Hangzhou

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Bengaluru, September 19: The Indian Men's Hockey Team on Tuesday (September 19) departed from Bengaluru airport for Hangzhou to take part in the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China.

The Indian Team, which is in Pool A alongside Pakistan, Japan, Bangladesh, Singapore and Uzbekistan, will kick off their campaign in the marquee event on Sunday (September 24) against Uzbekistan. The other pool - Pool B consists of Korea, Malaysia, China, Oman, Thailand, and Indonesia.

The top two teams from each Pool will qualify for the Semi-Finals. Harmanpreet Singh, the charismatic defender, has been tasked with leading the squad once more, with Hardik serving as his deputy.

"The team has been rigorously preparing for the Asian Games, and we performed well at the recently concluded Asian Champions Trophy, so the goal is to maintain that level of performance," said captain Harmanpreet before the team left for Hangzhou.

The skipper also acknowledged being drawn in a tough group, but adds the team is hopeful of a podium finish. "We have some tough opponents in our Pool, but we are confident in our preparation and hope to finish on the podium," Harmanpreet added.

The team includes goalkeepers PR Sreejesh and Krishan Pathak. Varun Kumar, Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Sanjay are the defenders selected for the Asian Games.

The midfield will be anchored by Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Sumit, and Shamsher Singh, while the attack will be led by Abhishek, Gurjant Singh, Mandeep Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, and Lalit Kumar Upadhyay.

Before leaving for the Asian Games in Hangzhou 2022, vice captain Hardik Singh expressed optimism, saying, "We have had some tough practice sessions in the lead-up to the Tournament and everyone in camp is focused, working towards the same goal."

"We are in the best possible mental and physical shape to travel to Hangzhou, and we are looking forward to the tough competition in our group. The goal is to continue performing as well as we have in recent months and return from China with a medal," he concluded.

While India open their pool stage against Uzbekistan on September 24, they will take on Singapore, Japan and Pakistan on September 26, September 28 and September 30 respectively before their last group stage match against Bangladesh on October 2. Here is a look at the Indian schedule:

Indian Men's Hockey Team Asian Games 2023 Schedule

Indian men's hockey team for Asian Games 2023

Abhishek, Gurjant Singh, Hardik Singh (vice captain), Harmanpreet Singh (captain), Jarmanpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Manpreet Singh, Sanjay, Shamsher Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Sumit, Varun Kumar, PR Sreejesh, Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Amit Rohidas, Nilakanta Sharma, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay.

Asian Games 2023 Hockey Telecast and Live Streaming: The matches will be aired live on Sony Sports Network TV channels and can also be live streamed using the Sony LIV app or website with a premium subscription.

Source: Hockey India Release