Indian Hockey Squad for Asian Champions Trophy Announced; K B Pathak Named Main Goalkeeper

Following PR Sreejesh’s retirement, Krishan Bahadur Pathak has been officially named as the main goalkeeper for the Indian hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy.

The tournament is set to take place in Hulunbuir, China, from September 8-17, where India will compete against defending champions Korea, along with Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan and the host nation.

Sreejesh retired earlier this month after India secured their second consecutive Olympic bronze medal in Paris. Pathak, who served as the backup goalkeeper at the Paris Olympics, will now assume the primary role, with Suraj Karkera as his deputy.

Vivek Sagar Prasad has been named vice-captain, replacing Hardik Singh, who, along with Mandeep Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, Shamsher Singh, and Gurjant Singh, has been rested for the tournament.

The tournament presents a significant opportunity for promising drag-flicker Jugraj Singh, who was a standby at the Paris Olympics. Jugraj, who has impressed in limited Pro League appearances, will seek to solidify his position alongside Harmanpreet Singh. Araijeet Singh Hundal will be the third drag-flicker in the squad.

India’s defence will feature Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay and Sumit. The midfield will be managed by Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Manpreet Singh, and Mohammed Raheel. A young forward line including Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Hundal, junior India captain Uttam Singh and debutant Gurjot Singh will lead the attack.

Ten players from India’s bronze medal-winning squad in Paris are part of this team. Head coach Craig Fulton highlighted the importance of this tournament in maintaining ranking points and expressed confidence in the young players who have been brought into the squad.

India’s campaign will begin against China on September 8, followed by matches against Japan, Malaysia, Korea and Pakistan. The semi-finals and final are scheduled for September 16 and 17 respectively.

India’s Squad

Goalkeepers: Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Suraj Karkera; Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh (c), Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit; Midfielders: Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad (vc), Manpreet Singh, Mohammed. Raheel Mouseen; Forwards: Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Uttam Singh, Gurjot Singh.