Hockey India announces squad for Asian Champions Trophy

New Delhi: Hockey India on Tuesday announced an 18-member men's squad for the Asian Champions Trophy 2023, which will be held at Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai from August 3 to 12.

The Asian Champions Trophy will also serve as a preparation event for the Hangzhou Asian Games.

The team will continue to be led by ace drag-flicker and defender Harmanpreet Singh while prolific midfielder Hardik Singh will be his deputy.

P R Sreejesh and Krishan Bahadur Pathak have been named as the goalkeepers, while Jarmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Jugraj Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, and Amit Rohidas are the defenders.

The midfield will be led by Hardik, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Shamsher Singh, and Nilakanta Sharma with Manpreet Singh returning to the midfield after previously being listed as a defender during the European leg of the Pro League.

Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Gurjant Singh, Sukhjeet Singh and S Karthi comprise the forward line. These forwards are capable of scoring crucial goals, creating scoring chances, and applying relentless pressure on the opposing defence.

India will face Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan, and China during the pool stage of the tournament.

India squad: Goalkeepers: P R Sreejesh, Krishan Bahadur Pathak

Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Jugraj Singh, Harmanpreet Singh (capt), Varun Kumar, Amit Rohidas

Midfielders: Hardik Singh (vice-captain), Vivek Sagar Prasad, Manpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Shamsher Singh

Forwards: Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Gurjant Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, S Karthi.