Hockey India has announced a 20-member Indian men’s hockey team for the 20th Asian Games to be held in Japan. The command of the team has been handed over to Harmanpreet Singh. The tournament is also a qualifier for the LA 2028 Olympics. The team has a mix of experienced and young players.
New Delhi [भारत]July 29 (ANI): Hockey India on Wednesday announced the 20-member Indian men’s hockey team for the upcoming 20th Asian Games. The tournament will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4.
According to a release, star defender and drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will continue to lead the team, while India’s most capped experienced midfielder Manpreet Singh will provide his valuable experience to the team. The team is a mix of emerging talent with experienced campaigners.
Team full of experienced and young players
Mohit HS and Suraj Karkera comprise the goalkeeping unit, while Jarmanpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit and Yashdeep Siwach will be part of the defence.
The team will rely on Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Neelkanth Sharma and Vivek Sagar Prasad to handle the midfield.
Meanwhile, Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sukhjit Singh, Mandeep Singh and Abhishek have been given the responsibility of leading the attacking line.
The Indian team, which won the gold medal in the Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023 under the leadership of Harmanpreet, will enter this tournament as the defending champion. India have been placed in Pool A along with hosts Japan, Korea, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.
Coach expressed confidence about the team
Speaking on the team selection, head coach Craig Fulton said, “The Indian team selected for the Asian Games is very experienced. We are looking forward to the challenge of playing in Japan, where the winner will qualify for the LA 2028 Olympics, and that is our ultimate goal as a team and as a nation.”
The twelve teams will be divided into two pools of six each, which will compete for the gold medal. All matches are to be played at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara.
Captain Harmanpreet has full confidence in the team
Captain Harmanpreet said that he is confident that the team will perform well in the continental tournament. He said, “Whether young or senior players, I have full confidence in all the players that they will make good use of the opportunities given to them. The main goal is not to take pressure, enjoy the game and understand their responsibilities.”
India’s schedule in Asian Games
India will begin its Asian Games campaign against Indonesia on September 20. After this, the pool stage will conclude against Sri Lanka on 22 September, Korea on 24 September, Japan on 26 September and Bangladesh on 28 September.
Full Indian team for Asian Games:
Goalkeeper: Mohit 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, Neelkanth Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad.
Forwards: Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sukhjit Singh, Mandeep Singh, Abhishek. (ANI)
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