Hockey India announces squad for Men's Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir

Harmanpreet Singh to captain India in the Hockey Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

On Wednesday, Hockey India announced the 18-member Indian Men’s Hockey team for the upcoming Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be held at the recently developed Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar from August 29 to September 7, 2025.

As a qualifier for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, the tournament places India in Pool A with Japan, China, and Kazakhstan. India will begin their campaign against China on 29 August, before facing Japan on 31 August and Kazakhstan on 1 September.

Veteran drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will continue to serve as Captain in the continental tournament. The squad overall features a strong group of experienced campaigners, with depth and balance across all departments.

Krishan B Pathak and Suraj Karkera are the two goalkeepers of the team. In defence, Captain Harmanpreet Singh and Amit Rohidas will be joined by Jarmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Sanjay, and Jugraj Singh, providing solidity at the back.

The midfield engine room comprises Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, and Hardik Singh. Leading the attack, the forward line will be spearheaded by Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, and Dilpreet Singh, offering plenty of firepower to trouble opposition defences.

Meanwhile, Nilam Sanjeep Xess and Selvam Karthi have been named as Alternate Athletes.

Speaking on the team selection, Indian Men’s Team Coach Craig Fulton said, “We’ve gone with an experienced squad that understands what it takes to perform in high-pressure situations. The Asia Cup is crucial for us because qualification for the World Cup is at stake, so we need players who have the composure, resilience, and know-how to deliver.

The selection reflects our intent — to put forward a team that can compete strongly and achieve our main objective.”

“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 is what excites me the most.  I think the way this team can play together will be our strongest asset,” he added.

Indian Men’s Hockey Team for Men’s Asia Cup 2025:

GOALKEEPERS:

• 1. Krishan B Pathak        
• 2. 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

ALTERNATE ATHLETES:

• 1. Nilam Sanjeep Xess
• 2. Selvam Karthi

Indian fans can enjoy the Hockey Asia Cup 2025 action on the Sony Sports Network and the SonyLiv App. Hockey fans in the USA, UK, Netherlands, Europe, and North America can watch the Asia Cup 2025 live on Watch.Hockey.

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