Hockey India announced the 18-member Indian Men’s Hockey squad for the upcoming Hero Men’s Asia Cup, which is set to take place at the newly developed Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar from 29th August to 7th September 2025.
As a qualifier for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium-Netherlands 2026, India has been placed in Pool A, alongside Japan, China, and Kazakhstan. The Indian team will kick off their campaign against China on 29th August, followed by matches against Japan on 31st August and Kazakhstan on 1st September.
Veteran drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will continue to serve as captain for this continental tournament. The squad boasts a strong mix of experienced players, offering depth and balance in all areas of the game.
Goalkeeping responsibilities will be shared between the reliable Krishan B. Pathak and Suraj Karkera. In defense, Captain Harmanpreet Singh and Amit Rohidas will be joined by Jarmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Sanjay, and Jugraj Singh, providing a solid backline.
The midfield will feature Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, and Hardik Singh, ensuring a strong engine room. Leading the attack, the forward line will be spearheaded by Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, and Dilpreet Singh, delivering significant firepower to challenge opposing defenses.
Nilam Sanjeep Xess and Selvam Karthi have been named as alternate athletes.
In discussing the team selection, Indian Men’s Team Coach Craig Fulton stated, “We have selected an experienced squad that knows what it takes to perform under pressure. The Asia Cup is crucial for us since World Cup qualification is at stake, so we needed players who exhibit composure, resilience, and expertise. Our selection reflects our intent to present a team that can compete strongly and achieve our primary objective.”
“I’m very pleased with the balance and quality across the squad. We have leaders in every line—defense, midfield, and attack—and that collective strength excites me the most. The way this team can collaborate will be our greatest asset,” he added.
Indian Men’s Hockey Team for the 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 catch the action of the Hero Asia Cup 2025 on the Sony Sports Network and the SonyLiv App. Hockey fans in the USA, UK, Netherlands, Europe, and North America can watch the Hero Asia Cup live from Rajgir, Bihar 2025 on Watch.Hockey.
