Asia Cup Hockey 2025: India announces 18-member squad

Hockey India on Wednesday announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming Men’s Asia Cup Hockey tournament, scheduled to be held in Rajgir in Bihar from August 29 to September 7.

India is placed in Pool A with Japan, China, and Kazakhstan in the tournament, which will be a qualifier for the FIH Hockey World Cup, set to happen in Belgium and Netherlands in 2026.

India will begin its campaign against China on August 29, before facing Japan on August 31 and Kazakhstan on September 1.

Drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will continue to as captain in the continental tournament.

Speaking on the team selection, head coach Craig Fulton said, “We’ve gone with an experienced squad that understands what it takes to perform in high-pressure situations. The Asia Cup is crucial for us because qualification for the World Cup is at stake, so we needed players who have the composure, resilience, and know-how to deliver. The selection reflects our intent — to put forward a team that can compete strongly and achieve our main objective.”

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The goalkeeping duties will be shared by Krishan B Pathak and Suraj Karkera. In defence, Harmanpreet and Amit Rohidas will be joined by Jarmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Sanjay, and Jugraj Singh.

The midfield engine room comprises Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, and Hardik Singh. The forward line will be spearheaded by Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, and Dilpreet Singh.

Meanwhile, defender Nilam Sanjeep Xess and forward Selvam Karthi have been named standbys.

“I’m very pleased with the balance and quality across the squad. We have leaders in every line — defence, midfield, and attack — and that collective strength is what excites me the most. I think the way this team can play together will be our strongest asset,” added Fulton.

Published on Aug 20, 2025