Hockey Asia Cup 2022: India vs Japan Live Updates

After a draw against arch rivals Pakistan, India are set to face Japan in their second pool game of the Asia Cup Hockey 2022. A win would gobe India much needed boost in the competition. The defending champions India will be led by Olympic medallist Birendra Lakra. Experienced striker and a veteran of four Asia Cups, SV Sunil, will be his deputy. 

India, Japan, Pakistan and hosts Indonesia are clubbed in Pool A while Malaysia, Korea, Oman and Bangladesh are grouped in Pool B in the Hero Asia Cup 2022, which is a World Cup qualifier event. Both India and Pakistan have won the prestigious tournament three times each, while South Korea is the most successful team having clinched the title four times out of 10 previous editions.

Team India

India are the defending Asia Cup Hockey champions and will kickstart their campaign against archrivals Pakistan. Many of the top Indian players are giving the tournament a miss, giving the next crop a chance to make their mark.

The Men in Blue will look to finish on the podium. This will help provide positive momentum to their 2023 FIH World Cup campaign.

India Squad for Asia Cup Hockey 2022

Sardar Singh will be the coach of the Indian hockey team with plenty of fresh faces at the Asia Cup Hockey 2022. It is a side that features fringe players and will be led by Birendra Lakra.

Goalkeepers: Pankaj Kumar Rajak, Suraj Karkera 

Defenders: Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Yashdeep Siwach, Abhishek Lakra, Birendra Lakra (C), Manjeet, Dipsan Tirkey 

Midfielders: Vishnukant Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Mareeswaren Sakthivel, Sheshe Gowda BM, Simranjeet Singh 

Forwards: Pawan Rajbhar, Abharan Sudev, SV Sunil (Vice-Captain), Uttam Singh, S Karthi

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