New Delhi: Hockey India on Wednesday unveiled the 18-member Indian Men’s Hockey squad for the upcoming Hero Men’s Asia Cup, set to be held at the newly developed Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar from 29 August to 7 September 2025.
The tournament, serving as a qualifier for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium-Netherlands 2026, places India in Pool A alongside Japan, China, and Kazakhstan. India will kick off their campaign against China on 29 August, followed by matches against Japan on 31 August and Kazakhstan on 1 September.
Veteran drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will continue to captain the team, bringing experience and leadership to the squad. The team features a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, ensuring balance and depth across all departments.
The goalkeeping responsibilities will be handled by Krishan B Pathak and Suraj Karkera, while the defence line will feature Captain Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Sanjay, and Jugraj Singh. The midfield will be marshalled by Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, and Hardik Singh, providing stability and creativity. The forward line comprises Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, and Dilpreet Singh, offering attacking firepower to challenge opposing defences.
Nilam Sanjeep Xess and Selvam Karthi have been named as alternate athletes for the tournament.
Speaking on the selection, Indian Men’s Team Coach Craig Fulton said:
“We’ve gone with an experienced squad that understands what it takes to perform in high-pressure situations. The Asia Cup is crucial because qualification for the World Cup is at stake. We needed players with composure, resilience, and the know-how to deliver. The selection reflects our intent — to field a team capable of competing strongly and achieving our main objective.”
He added, “I’m very pleased with the balance and quality across the squad. We have leaders in every line — defence, midfield, and attack — and that collective strength excites me the most. The way this team can play together will be our strongest asset.”
Indian Men’s Hockey Team – Hero 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
The Hero Men’s Asia Cup 2025 marks a key milestone for Indian hockey, with the team eyeing both continental supremacy and a successful qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
