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Hockey India, on Wednesday, August 20, has announced the 18-member Indian men’s hockey squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 to be played from August 27 to September 7, 2025 in Rajgir, Bihar. India are placed in Group A, which includes teams such as China, Japan, and Kazakhstan. India will kick off their campaign against China on August 29, 2025. Following the opening game the team will take on Japan on August 31 and Kazakhstan on September 1. In the previous edition of the tournament, India concluded the campaign in the third spot while South Korea became the champions after beating Malaysia in the final played in Jakarta.
India will look to win the continental title after eight years as the team last brought home the trophy in 2017 following a victory over Malaysia in the final in Dhaka. Harmanpreet Singh will captain the side while Krishan B Pathak and Sraj Karkera will be goalkeepers. Sumit, Sanjay, Jarmanpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Jugraj Singh will be defenders. Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, and Abhishek will serve the team as forwards. Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, and Vivek Sagar Prasad have made it to the squad as midfielders. Nilam Sanjeep Xess and Selvam Karthi will participate as alternate athletes.
Head coach Craig Fulton content with Indian squad for Asia Cup
Indian men’s hockey team head coach Craig Fulton has looked convinced with the squad. He feels that the unity of the side will be the most valuable asset. “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,” remarked Fulton.
The continental tournament is crucial for India as their World Cup 2026 Qualification is on stake. Fulton has shown faith in the side to fare well in the Asia Cup to advance to the World Cup without any hassle. “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,” added Fulton.
India’s hockey squad for the Hockey Asia Cup 2025:
Harmanpreet Singh (c), Krishan B Pathak (gk), Suraj Karkera (gk), Jarmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Sanjay, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Rajinder Singh, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Mandeep Singh, Shailanand Lakra, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, & Abhishek.
