New Delhi, Aug 20 (PTI) The 18-member Indian men's hockey squad for the upcoming Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar, was announced on Wednesday without major surprises. Key players like midfielder Rajinder Singh and forwards Shilanand Lakra and Dilpreet Singh have retained their places. The tournament, scheduled from August 29 to September 7, offers a direct qualification to next year's FIH Men's World Cup, co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from August 14 to 30.
Ace drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will continue in his role as team captain. The trio of Rajinder, Lakra, and Dilpreet was also part of the squad that toured Australia. Rajinder replaces Shamsher Singh, Lakra fills in for the retired Lalit Upadhyay, and Dilpreet is preferred over Gurjant Singh, who was overlooked for the Australia series.
Lalit Upadhyay, a striker, recently retired from international hockey following the European leg of the FIH Pro League in June. The team's selection maintains the core group of players, emphasizing preparation for the subsequent World Cup.
The team is placed in Pool A for the World Cup qualifying tournament, alongside Japan, China, and Kazakhstan. India's campaign begins against China on August 29, followed by matches against Japan on August 31 and Kazakhstan on September 1.
Goalkeeping responsibilities will be managed by Krishan B Pathak and Suraj Karkera. Veteran defenders like Harmanpreet, Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Sanjay, and Jugraj Singh will fortify the defense. In the midfield, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Rajinder, Raj Kumar Pal, and Hardik Singh will maintain the team's tempo.
The attacking front will be led by Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Lakra, and Dilpreet, promising a strong offensive game. Nilam Sanjeep Xess and Selvam Karthi have been designated as alternate athletes.
Craig Fulton, the head coach, commented on the selection, stating, "We've chosen an experienced squad capable of performing in high-pressure situations. The Asia Cup is vital for us, with World Cup qualification at stake, so we required players with composure, resilience, and expertise." He added that the squad's balance and quality, with leadership in every line—defense, midfield, and attack—were particularly satisfying. "The way this team can play together will be our strongest asset," he remarked.
Indian squad: GOALKEEPERS: Krishan B Pathak, Suraj Karkera DEFENDERS: Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh, 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 ALTERNATE ATHLETES: Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Selvam Karthi.
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