Hockey India have announced their 18-member squad for Asian Champions Trophy 2024 which is scheduled to take place in China later this year. India ace drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will lead the team while seasoned midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad has been appointed as the Vice Captain. Defending Champions India will take on hosts China in their campaign opener. The tournament will be played from 8th September to 17th September 2024.
The defence has Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay and Sumit. Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Manpreet Singh, and Mohd. Raheel will form the midfield, while a young forward line will lead the attack, featuring Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Uttam Singh, and debutant Gurjot Singh.The defene was a talking point of the team and will play a key role in defending the trophy.
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Craig Fulton shared his thoughts regarding the team
"This is an important campaign for us to ensure we build on our ranking points. The team has just returned to the camp after all the celebrations following our performance in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The past few weeks have truly been incredible with all the love and adulation for the team and we hope this support will continue all through our future campaigns," said Chief Coach Craig Fulton.
"The new Olympic cycle for us begins with the Asian Champions Trophy and we are ready for the challenge. While we have rested a few players from the squad that played in Paris, we have brought in a few youngsters who have done well in training and have earned the opportunity to play in Asian Champions Trophy. We will have Gurjot making his international debut, and I believe this is a great opportunity for youngsters who have received a call-up to shine. As a team, we want to continue to dominate in the Asian continent and we will go to China to retain the title," added Fulton.
Indian Men's Hockey Team:
Goalkeepers: Krishan Bahadur Pathak and 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 ,Mohd. Raheel Mouseen
Forwards: Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Uttam Singh, Gurjot Singh.
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