Pathak Returns As India Name Squad For Asian Champions Trophy
Goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak has returned to the Indian men’s hockey squad for the Asian Champions Trophy, with head coach Craig Fulton retaining the core of the team that won gold at the Asian Games in Japan.
The tournament will be held in Punjab from October 27 to November 5, marking the return of international hockey to the state. Captain Harmanpreet Singh will lead the 18-member squad as India aim to extend their dominance in the competition.
Pathak, who missed the Asian Games, returns alongside young defender Amandeep Lakra and midfielder Aditya Arjun Lalage, both of whom have an opportunity to strengthen their positions in the senior team. Vishnu Kant Singh and forward Angad Bir Singh have been named reserve players.
Fulton Excited For Home Tournament
“Playing the ACT in Punjab will be something special,” chief coach Fulton said.
“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.”
India successfully defended their Asian Games title in Japan, securing qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The team will now look to carry that momentum into the Asian Champions Trophy, where they are the defending champions and have won the title a record five times.
Matches To Be Held In Jalandhar And Mohali
The tournament will begin at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar, which will host the opening ceremony and all league-stage matches from October 27 to November 2.
The competition will then move to Mohali for the knockout stage. The semi-finals are scheduled for November 4, followed by the medal matches on November 5 at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium.
With the home crowd expected to provide strong support, India will aim to maintain their status as the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
India’s Squad For Asian Champions Trophy
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 players: Vishnu Kant Singh, Angad Bir Singh
