CHENNAI: Olympic medallist Harmanpreet Singh will continue to lead India at the Asian Games to be held in Aichi-Nagoya from September 19 to October 4. The Hockey India announced the squad on Wednesday and the team has not notable changes apart from mid-fielder Raj Kumar Pal who makes the cut.
India’s most-capped player, veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh, will lend vital experience to a squad that will look to defend its gold. Mohith HS and Suraj Karkera make up the goalkeeping unit, while Jarmanpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit and Yashdeep Siwach form the defensive line.
India, heading into the tournament as the defending champions, have been drawn in Pool A alongside hosts Japan, Korea, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. In the last edition, at Hangzhou in 2023, Harmanpreet-led the team.
According to HI statement, chief coach Craig Fulton said, “The Indian squad selected for the Asian Games is very experienced. 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.”
Twelve teams split into two pools of six each will contest for the gold medal. All the matches are scheduled to be played at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara. Captain Harmanpreet said that he is confident of the team performing well at the continental showpiece. “Be it the youngsters or the senior players, I have complete faith in all the players to make good use of the opportunities they get. The main target is to not take pressure, enjoy the game and understand your responsibilities,” he shared.
India will begin their Asian Games campaign against Indonesia on 20 September, before taking on Sri Lanka on 22 September, Korea on 24 September, Japan on 26 September and rounding off the pool stage against Bangladesh on 28 September.
The squad: Goalkeepers: Mohith HS, Suraj Karkera; Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh (c), 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.