New Delhi — Veteran drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh has been named captain of the 18-member Indian men’s hockey team for the Hero Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025, which will be held from August 29 to September 7 in Rajgir, Bihar.
Following a disappointing performance in the FIH Pro League, India is focused on winning the Asia Cup to secure a direct qualification for the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 in Belgium and the Netherlands. Defending champions South Korea have won the title a record five times, while India (2003, 2007, 2017) and Pakistan have each won it three times. India has also been a runner-up five times and finished third twice.
The team for this tournament is significantly different from the one that played in the 2022 Men’s Asia Cup in Jakarta, where ten players made their senior international debut. Only goalkeepers Suraj Karkera and Raj Kumar Pal have retained their spots. In a last-minute change, Pakistan and Oman withdrew from the tournament, with Bangladesh and Kazakhstan taking their places.
India’s Fixtures and Team Roster
Ranked seventh in the FIH, India will begin its campaign on August 29 against 23rd-ranked China in Pool A. The opening match of the tournament will be between Malaysia and Bangladesh in Pool B. India will then face Japan on August 31 and Kazakhstan on September 1 in their final pool match. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the Super 4 stage from September 3 to 6, with the final scheduled for September 7.
The 18-member Indian squad for the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025 is as follows:
- Goalkeepers: Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Suraj Karkera.
- Defenders: Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh (Captain), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh.
- Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad.
- Forwards: Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh.
- Alternative Players: Neelam Sanjeep Khess, Selvam Karthi.
The team is a strong mix of experienced players and emerging talent. Drag-flickers Harmanpreet Singh and Jugraj Singh are key assets, while Amit Rohidas is a reliable rusher for penalty corners. The midfield is bolstered by seasoned players like Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, and Raj Kumar Pal, along with the promising Rajinder Singh. The forward line, featuring Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, and Dilpreet Singh, is expected to lead the attack.
Coach Craig Fulton Expresses Confidence
Chief Coach Craig Fulton commented on the team selection, saying, “We have chosen a seasoned team for the Asia Cup that knows how to perform under immense pressure. The Asia Cup is crucial for us because winning it is our only way to qualify for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026. We needed players with composure and resilience, who can perform at their best when it matters most. I am happy with the team’s balance and quality. We have leaders in our defense, midfield, and forward lines. I am thrilled with the collective strength of our Indian team. I believe our ability to play as a unit is our greatest strength.”
The winner of the Asia Cup will directly qualify for the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup. As a result, Pakistan’s withdrawal has ended their last hope of qualifying for the World Cup.
