The squad retains their core that delivered success at the Asian Games 2026, reflecting continuity as India prepares to take on Asia’s leading hockey nations on home soil. Goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak will make a comeback with young defender Amandeep Lakra and midfielder Aditya Arjun Lalage earning a recall into the senior set up.
Midfielder Vishnu Kant Singh and forward Angad Bir Singh have been named as the two reserve players apart from the 18-member playing squad. “Playing the ACT in Punjab will be something special. This squad blends youth with experience, and we can’t wait to feed off the home crowd. There’s nothing like playing a tournament in India, and we’ve missed it,” said Chief Coach Craig Fulton.
The tournament has additional significance as it marks the return of international hockey to Punjab, a state which has historically made an immense contribution to the sport and produced iconic players as well. With matches scheduled in Jalandhar and Mohali, the competition will bring some of Asia’s finest hockey talent to a region with a deep-rooted connection to the game.
Defending champions India, who have already qualified for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028, will look to build on their recent success and continue their strong record in the Asian Champions Trophy, having won the title five times so far.
The tournament will get underway in Jalandhar with the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium hosting the opening ceremony and all league-stage fixtures from October 27 to November 2. The action will then move to Mohali with the semi-finals scheduled for November 4, followed by the medal matches on November 5 at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium.
With strong backing from strong Punjab crowd, the Indian hockey team will aim to deliver a memorable campaign and make international hockey’s return to Punjab a memorable event.
Indian men’s hockey squad for Asian Champions Trophy hockey 2026
Goalkeepers: Suraj Karkera, Krishan Bahadur Pathak
Defenders: Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh (c), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amandeep Lakra
Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh
Forwards: Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh
Reserve/Replacement Players: Vishnu Kant Singh, Angad Bir Singh