New Delhi: Hockey India on Wednesday unveiled the 18-member Indian Men’s Hockey squad for the upcoming Men’s Asia Cup, set to take place at the newly developed Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar from August 29 to September 7, 2025.
Serving as a qualifier for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium-Netherlands 2026, India has been drawn in Pool A alongside Japan, China, and Kazakhstan. The Men in Blue will kick off their campaign against China on August 29, followed by matches against Japan on August 31 and Kazakhstan on September 1, according to a Hockey India press release.
Veteran drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will continue to captain the team in the continental tournament. The squad boasts a strong blend of experienced players, offering balance and depth across all departments.
Goalkeepers Krishan B Pathak and Suraj Karkera will share responsibilities between the posts. In defence, Harmanpreet Singh and Amit Rohidas are joined by Jarmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Sanjay, and Jugraj Singh, ensuring solidity at the back.
The midfield features Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, and Hardik Singh, providing both creativity and control. Leading the attack, the forward line includes Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, and Dilpreet Singh, offering plenty of firepower to challenge opposition defences.
Nilam Sanjeep Xess and Selvam Karthi have been named as reserve players.
Commenting on the squad selection, Indian Men’s Team Coach Craig Fulton said, “We’ve chosen an experienced squad that understands the demands of high-pressure situations. The Asia Cup is critical as World Cup qualification is at stake, so we needed players with composure, resilience, and the ability to deliver. This selection reflects our intent to field a team capable of competing strongly and achieving our primary objective.”
He added, “I’m very pleased with the balance and quality across the squad. We have leaders in every line—defence, midfield, and attack—and that collective strength excites me the most. The way this team can play together will be our greatest asset.”
Indian Men’s Hockey Team – Men’s Asia Cup 2025:
Goalkeepers:
- Krishan B Pathak
- Suraj Karkera
Defenders:
3. Sumit
4. Jarmanpreet Singh
5. Sanjay
6. Harmanpreet Singh
7. Amit Rohidas
8. Jugraj Singh
Midfielders:
9. Rajinder Singh
10. Raj Kumar Pal
11. Hardik Singh
12. Manpreet Singh
13. Vivek Sagar Prasad
Forwards:
14. Mandeep Singh
15. Shilanand Lakra
16. Abhishek
17. Sukhjeet Singh
18. Dilpreet Singh
Reserves:
- Nilam Sanjeep Xess
- Selvam Karthi
