Harmanpreet Singh to Lead Indian Squad for Asian Champions Trophy
Hockey India announces the squad for the Asian Champions Trophy 2026 in Punjab, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh.
Hockey India has officially revealed the 18-member Indian men’s squad for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026. The tournament, which is set to take place in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5, will see the defending champions looking to assert their dominance on home soil.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh will lead the charge, fresh off the momentum of guiding India to a historic gold medal at the Asian Games in Japan. The squad maintains a strong core of players who were instrumental in India's recent continental success, ensuring continuity as the team prepares to face Asia's elite hockey nations.
Key Returns and Rising Stars
The selection committee has made several notable decisions to bolster the team's strength:
- Goalkeeping: Krishan Bahadur Pathak makes a significant comeback to the squad.
- Defense: Young defender Amandeep Lakra has been handed a chance to strengthen the backline alongside seasoned veterans.
- Midfield: Aditya Arjun Lalage earns another opportunity to prove his mettle in the senior setup.
- Reserves: Midfielder Vishnu Kant Singh and forward Angad Bir Singh have been named as the two replacement players.
Chief Coach Craig Fulton expressed his excitement about the tournament, noting that the blend of youth and experience makes the squad particularly formidable. He emphasized the importance of the home crowd, stating that playing in India provides an unparalleled atmosphere that the team has missed.
A Homecoming for Hockey in Punjab
The 2026 edition holds immense cultural significance as it marks the return of international hockey to Punjab, a state legendary for producing world-class hockey talent. The tournament will be split across two iconic venues:
- Jalandhar: The Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium will host the opening ceremony and all league-stage matches from October 27 to November 2.
- Mohali: The business end of the tournament, including the semi-finals on November 4 and the medal matches on November 5, will be held at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium.
India enters the competition as the most successful team in the history of the Asian Champions Trophy, having secured the title five times. The team will aim to continue this legacy and celebrate the sport's deep roots in the Punjab region.
Full Indian Men’s Hockey Squad
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