New Delhi, August 20(HS): Hockey India on Wednesday announced the 18-member Indian men’s hockey squad for the upcoming Hero Men’s Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be held from August 29 to September 7 at the newly-built Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar.

The continental tournament carries added weight this year as it will serve as a direct qualifier for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, to be jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands.

Placed in Pool A, India will face China in their opener on August 29, followed by matches against Japan on August 31 and Kazakhstan on September 1.

Experienced drag-flicker and commanding defender Harmanpreet Singh will continue as team captain, leading a squad that blends battle-hardened veterans with promising young talent.

The goalkeeping unit will be manned by Krishna B. Pathak and Suraj Karkera, while the defensive line-up features skipper Harmanpreet Singh alongside Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sumit, Sanjay and Jarmanpreet Singh.

The midfield engine will revolve around stalwarts Manpreet Singh and Hardik Singh, supported by Vivek Sagar Prasad, Raj Kumar Pal and Rajinder Singh, ensuring creativity and control in the middle of the field.

Up front, India’s forward battery led by Mandeep Singh includes Abhishek, Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra and Sukhjeet Singh, providing the strike power to challenge Asian rivals. Nilam Sanjeev Jes and Selvam Karthi have been named as alternate athletes.

Reacting to the squad selection, head coach Craig Fulton expressed confidence, stating: “We have chosen a team rich in experience, capable of thriving under pressure. The Asia Cup is vital as World Cup qualification is at stake, and we need players with patience, resilience, and a winning mentality. I am delighted with the balance and quality of this squad. Each department—defense, midfield, attack—has strong leaders, which is our biggest strength.”

India’s 18-member squad for Men’s Asia Cup 2025:

GOALKEEPERS

1. Krishan B Pathak        

2. Suraj Karkera           

DEFENDERS

3. Sumit

4. Jarmanpreet Singh 

5. Sanjay   

6. Harmanpreet Singh

7. Amit Rohidas   

8. Jugraj Singh 

MIDFIELDERS

9. Rajinder Singh

10. Raj Kumar Pal

11. Hardik Singh

12. Manpreet Singh

13. Vivek Sagar Prasad

FORWARDS

14. Mandeep Singh

15. Shilanand Lakra

16. Abhishek

17. Sukhjeet Singh

18. Dilpreet Singh

ALTERNATE ATHLETES

1. Nilam Sanjeep Xess

2. Selvam Karthi

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar