India’s men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh. File
| Photo Credit: Biswaranjan Rout
Harmanpreet Singh will continue to lead the Indian charge as it hopes to win the upcoming Asia Cup and qualify for the World Cup next year with Hardik Singh as his deputy in the 18-member side named by Hockey India on Wednesday (August 20, 2025).
Coach Craig Fulton has preferred to keep the juniors away and stick to a tried and tested group high on experience for the Asia Cup. The Indian team, currently on a four-match tour of Australia, has been largely retained.
The only notable name missing is Shamsher Singh in the midfield while the experienced Gurjant Singh is in rehabilitation, still recovering from his back stress. Jugraj Singh will be sharing penalty corner duties with Harmanpreet. Youngsters Nilam Sanjeep Xess and Selvam Karthi have been named as alternate athletes.
“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 needed players who have the composure, resilience and know-how to deliver.
We have leaders in every line — defence, midfield and attack — and the way this team can play together will be our strongest asset,” Fulton said.
The squad
Goalkeepers: Krishan Pathak, Suraj Karkera
Defenders: Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh, 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; stand-byes: Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Selvam Karthi
Published – August 20, 2025 03:52 pm IST
