India have announced the 20-member squad for the Asian Games 2026, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4. The team will be led by Harmanpreet Singh.
The veteran has been a star performer for the country and led them to gold in the Asian Games 2023 and a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. The tournament stands of utmost importance and will also serve as the qualifier for the LA Olympics in 2028, with the winner securing direct qualification.
,meanwhile, will also lead the team’s defence along with Amit Rohidas, while Mohith HS and Suraj Karkera will be the goalkeepers. Veteran Manpreet Singh, the most-capped player for India, will be the main man in the midfield. Dilpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Sukhjeet Singh and Abhishek will spearhead the attack, with Shilanand Lakra completing the forward line.
India have been clubbed with hosts Japan, the Republic of Korea, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Indonesia in Pool A.
The Indian team will open its campaign against Indonesia on September 20, and will face Sri Lanka on September 22, South Korea on September 24, Japan on September 26, and Bangladesh on September 28.
The Indian men’s hockey have historically done well at the Asian Games, winning four gold, nine silver and three bronze medals, with titles coming in Bangkok 1966, Bangkok 1998, Incheon 2014 and Hangzhou 2023. Hockey has been part of the Asian Games since Tokyo 1958.
“The Indian squad selected for the Asian Games is very experienced,” chief coach Craig Fulton said. “We look forward to the challenge of playing in Japan where the winner qualifies for the LA 2028 Olympics, and that is the ultimate goal for us as a team and as a nation.”
India’s Asian Games 2026 Hockey Squad
Goalkeepers: Mohith HS, Suraj Karkera
Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh (captain), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, Yashdeep Siwach
Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad
Forwards: Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sukhjeet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Abhishek