Bhubaneswar: Three hockey players from Odisha have been included 18-member Indian squad for the upcoming Men’s Asia Cup to be played at Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar from August 29 to September 7.
The Odia players are Amit Rohidas, Shilanand Lakra and Nilam Sanjeep Xess.
Hockey India on Wednesday announced the 18-member squad led by veteran drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh for the continental tournament. The squad overall features a strong group of experienced campaigners, with depth and balance across all departments.
As a qualifier for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium-Netherlands 2026, the tournament places India in Pool A with Japan, China, and Kazakhstan. India will begin their campaign against China on August 29, before facing Japan on August 31 and Kazakhstan on September 1.
The goalkeeping duties will be shared by the dependable Krishan B Pathak and Suraj Karkera. In defence, captain Harmanpreet 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.
Nilam Sanjeep Xess and Selvam Karthi have been named as alternate athletes.
Goalkeepers: 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 and Selvam Karthi
