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India Announces Hockey Squad for Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026: Hockey India announced the 18-member Indian men's hockey squad on Tuesday for the upcoming Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026. This prestigious continental tournament will be held from October 27 to November 5, 2026, across two major cities in Punjab Jalandhar and Mohali.
Star drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh, who led India to a historic gold medal at the Asian Games in Japan, has once again been appointed as the team's captain. Having successfully defended their title at the Asian Games, the Indian team aims to maintain that same momentum and consistency on home soil.
Key Highlights: Perfect Blend of Youth and Experience in Team India
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The selectors have placed their trust in the core squad that secured victory at the Asian Games:
- Return of Krishan Bahadur Pathak: The return of the experienced Krishan Bahadur Pathak to the goalkeeping department has further bolstered India's defensive lineup. Suraj Karkera will share the goalkeeping duties alongside him.
- Opportunities for Young Talent: Young defender Amandeep Lakra and midfielder Aditya Arjun Lalage have been given another excellent opportunity to cement their places in the senior national team.
- Standby / Reserve Players: In addition to the 18-member main squad, midfielder Vishnu Kant Singh and forward Angad Bir Singh have been included as standby/reserve players.
Indian Men's Hockey Squad for Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2026
Goalkeepers
- Suraj Karkera
- Krishan Bahadur Pathak
Defenders
- Sanjay
- Harmanpreet Singh (Captain)
- 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 (Midfielder)
- Angad Bir Singh (Forward)
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Tournament Schedule, Key Dates & Venue Details
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The tournament will be played at two renowned hockey stadiums in Punjab:
-
Opening Ceremony & League Matches (27 October – 2 November):
The tournament will kick off at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar. The venue will host the opening ceremony and all league-stage matches.
-
Knockout & Final Phase (4 November – 5 November):
The final phase of the tournament will be played at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali.
- Semifinals: 4 November
- Final & Bronze Medal Match: 5 November
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