 "India will qualify for Hockey World Cup by winning the Asia Cup 2025. Image: PTI")
The Indian men’s hockey squad, led by Harmanpreet Singh, for the upcoming Men’s Asia Cup 2025, was announced on Wednesday. The tournament will be played from 29 August to 7 September at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar. The Asia Cup 2025 winner will earn a direct spot in the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium-Netherlands 2026.
The Indian men’s hockey team has been drawn in Pool A of the Asia Cup 2025, with Japan, China, and Kazakhstan. The Harmanpreet-led India will start their campaign against China on 29 August, before facing Japan on 31 August and Kazakhstan on 1 September.
India eye World Cup spot in Rajgir
The latest Indian hockey squad overall features a strong group of experienced campaigners, with depth and balance across all departments. The goalkeeping duties will be shared by the dependable Krishan B Pathak and Suraj Karkera. In defence, captain Harmanpreet Singh and Amit Rohidas will be joined by Jarmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Sanjay, and Jugraj Singh, providing solidity at the back.
The midfield engine room comprises Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, and Hardik Singh. Leading the attack, the forward line will be spearheaded by Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, and Dilpreet Singh, offering plenty of firepower to trouble opposition defences.
Meanwhile, Nilam Sanjeep Xess and Selvam Karthi have been named as Alternate Athletes.
Speaking on the team 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 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. The selection reflects our intent — to put forward a team that can compete strongly and achieve our main objective.”
“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 is what excites me the most. I think the way this team can play together will be our strongest asset,” he added.
Indian men’s hockey team for Asia Cup 2025
Goalkeepes
Krishan B 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
Alternate Athletes
Nilam Sanjeep Xess
Selvam Karthi
Asia Cup Hockey LIVE Streaming: The telecast and live streaming of the Asia Cup 2025 will be available on the Sony Sports Network and the SonyLiv App.