New Delhi, Oct 13: Goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak returned to the Harmanpreet Singh-led Indian men’s hockey squad but the core of the Asian Games gold-winning line-up was retained for the Asian Champions Trophy to be held in Punjab from October 27 to November 5.
Harmanpreet had led India to a gold medal at the Asian Games in Japan, where the team successfully defended its continental crown for the first time and qualified for the Los Angeles Olympics.
Pathak, who missed the Asian Games, made a comeback, while young defender Amandeep Lakra and midfielder Aditya Arjun Lalage have also earned an opportunity to strengthen their place in the senior setup.
Mid-fielder Vishnu Kant Singh and forward Angad Bir Singh have been named as the two reserve players for the 18-member playing squad.
“Playing the ACT in Punjab will be something special,” said Chief Coach Craig Fulton.
“This squad blends youth with experience, and we can’t wait to feed off the home crowd. There’s nothing like playing a tournament in India, and we’ve missed it.”
The tournament holds special significance as it marks the return of international hockey to Punjab.
With matches scheduled in Jalandhar and Mohali, the competition will bring some of Asia’s finest hockey talent to a region with a deep-rooted connection to the game.
Defending champions India will look to build on their recent success and continue their strong record in the Asian Champions Trophy, having won the title five times so far to be the tournament’s most successful team.
The competition will begin in Jalandhar, with the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium hosting the opening ceremony and all league-stage fixtures from October 27 to November 2.
The action will then move to Mohali for the business end of the tournament, with the semi-finals scheduled for November 4, followed by the medal matches on November 5 at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium. (PTI)
India Squad
Goalkeepers: Suraj Karkera, Krishan Bahadur Pathak
Defenders: Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh (c), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amandeep Lakra
Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh
Forwards: Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh
Reserve/Replacement Players: Vishnu Kant Singh, Angad Bir Singh.