Top five players to watch out for at Men's Hockey Asia Cup 2025

Korea won the previous edition of the Hockey Asia Cup.

The eight-team Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025 is set to take place from August 29 to September 7 at the Bihar Sports University in Rajgir. India are placed in Group A alongside Japan, China, and Kazakhstan, while Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei, Malaysia, and South Korea form Group B.

The Indian men’s hockey team are the three-time champions, last winning the title in 2017. However, they finished third in the last edition, which took place in 2022. Meanwhile, the Men in Blue are heading into this tournament after a horrific run in the FIH Pro League 2024/25, where they finished eighth.

Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Singh, India will begin their campaign on August 29 against China, followed by clashes against Japan (August 31) and Kazakhstan (September 1). They will need to win at least two out of three games to qualify for the knockout stages.

Indian squad for Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025

• Goalkeepers: Krishan Pathak, Suraj Karkera
• Defenders: Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh (captain), 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
• Reserves: Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Selvam Karthi

Full details here

Players to watch for India at Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025

#5 Krishan Pathak

The young goalkeeper has taken over the reins from PR Sreejesh after the Paris Olympics 2024. Krishan Pathak served as the team’s goalkeeper during the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 and FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25.

With 148 caps to his name, Pathak can fend off the opposition team from scoring goals during the Penalty Corners (PCs).

#4 Rajkumar Pal

Midfielder Rajkumar Pal displayed his talent by scoring three goals in the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 game against Malaysia.

However, Pal didn’t get enough opportunity as a starter for the Indian team in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25. He started in just two out of nine games and could not find a scoring opportunity. The Indian player could take the opponent by surprise if given consistent opportunities to prove himself.

#3 Sukhjeet Singh

Talented forward, Sukhjeet Singh, impressed during the Asian Champions Trophy 2024, having scored three field goals. He also found the back of the net twice during the test series against New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Sukhjeet returned with a total of five goals (3 field + 2 PCs) in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25. With impressive form, he is expected to be one of the key performers for the team.

ALSO READ: Reigning champions South Korea arrive in Bihar for Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025

#2 Abhishek Nain

Abhishek Nain first gained attention during Paris Olympics, where he scored two goals. He then finished with two goals in the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 as well.

The 26-year-old continued his good form to emerge as India’s joint-best performer in the Hockey Pro League 2024/25, with six goals. He will be among the vital cogs for India as they look to win the 2025 edition of the Hockey Asia Cup.

#1 Harmanpreet Singh

Captain Harmanpreet Singh has led the Indian team from the front with his sensational performances in recent years. He topped the charts in the Paris Olympics with 10 goals (7 PCs and 3 penalty strokes).

Then, Harmanpreet found the net on seven occasions (two field goals and five PCs) in the Asian Champions Trophy, playing a key role in India’s title victory. He scored six goals (4 FGs and 2 PCs) in the 2024-25 FIH Hockey Pro League.

The 29-year-old is likely to continue his dominating performances in this tournament, as well as the major responsibility will rest on the captain’s shoulders.

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