With the retirement of the legendary PR Sreejesh, the Indian hockey team is entering a new era as Krishan Bahadur Pathak steps up as the main goalkeeper for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy. The 18-member squad, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, will be vying for the title in the tournament scheduled from September 8 to 17. This event will see strong competition from teams like Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan, and hosts China.
New Leadership and Fresh Faces
The team’s leadership also sees a shift, with experienced midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad being appointed as the vice-captain. This decision comes as regular vice-captain Hardik Singh, along with seasoned players Mandeep Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, Shamsher Singh, and Gurjant Singh, have been given rest for this tournament.
The spotlight will also be on Jugraj Singh Junior, an emerging drag flicker who has already made a mark in the Pro League. His presence, along with Arijit Singh Hundal as the third drag flicker, adds depth to India’s offensive strategies. The defensive lineup will be anchored by seasoned players like Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, and captain Harmanpreet Singh, ensuring a strong backline.
New Faces in the Forward Line
The forward line will feature a mix of youth and experience, with players like Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Arijit Singh Hundal, junior team captain Uttam Singh, and Gurjot Singh. This blend of young talent and seasoned campaigners is expected to bring dynamism and unpredictability to India’s attacking game.
A New Chapter Post-Olympic Success
This tournament marks the first major test for the Indian team after their remarkable bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics. Coach Craig Fulton emphasized the importance of this tournament as a stepping stone into a new Olympic cycle. He acknowledged the support and love the team has received since their Olympic success and expressed hope that this momentum would carry forward into the Asian Champions Trophy.
Fulton stated, “This is an important tournament for us. The team has returned to the camp after celebrating the bronze medal in the Paris Olympics. The last few weeks have been wonderful when the team received immense love. We hope that this support will continue in the future as well. A new Olympic cycle is starting with the Asian Champions Trophy and we are ready for the challenge.”
The Squad at a Glance
The Indian team for the Asian Champions Trophy consists of:
- Goalkeepers: Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Suraj Karkera
- Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit
- Midfielders: Rajkumar Pal, Neelakanta Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Manpreet Singh, Mohammad Rahil
- Forwards: Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Arijit Singh Hundal, Uttam Singh, Gurjot Singh
- Head Coach: Craig Fulton
Building Momentum for Future Challenges
As the Indian team gears up for the Asian Champions Trophy, there is a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement. This tournament is not just about winning another title but about building a solid foundation for future challenges, particularly as the team begins its preparations for the next Olympic cycle. With a blend of experience and new talent, the Indian team is poised to make a strong statement in the upcoming tournament, and all eyes will be on how the new leadership and fresh faces perform on this significant stage.
