Hockey India has unveiled its 18-member squad for the highly anticipated Asian Champions Trophy 2024, set to be held in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, China, from September 8th to 17th.
The Indian team, a powerhouse in the Asian circuit, will be under the captaincy of drag-flick specialist Harmanpreet Singh, with experienced midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad as the vice-captain. This tournament will be a critical platform for India to maintain its dominance and blend fresh talent with its seasoned core.
Krishan Bahadur Pathak: The New Custodian of Indian Goalpost
With the retirement of veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, the Indian team faces the challenge of filling the significant void left behind. The mantle of guarding the goalpost now falls on Krishan Bahadur Pathak, a promising talent who has previously showcased his potential during the Pre-Paris Olympic build-up. Pathak’s role in this prestigious tournament will be pivotal, as he is expected to rise to the occasion and continue the legacy of Indian goalkeeping excellence.
Supporting Pathak will be Suraj Karkera, who has been named the backup goalkeeper. Together, they carry the responsibility of ensuring India’s defensive stability in a tournament that promises intense competition.
A Well-Balanced Indian Squad
The Indian squad for the Asian Champions Trophy strikes a balance between experience and youth, showcasing the depth of talent within the team. Ten players from the bronze-medal-winning squad at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games have been retained, providing a solid foundation of experienced campaigners.
In defense, the presence of seasoned players like Harmanpreet Singh and Amit Rohidas offers reliability, while young talents such as Araijeet Singh Hundal and debutant Gurjot Singh bring energy and dynamism to the forward line. These young players are eager to make a mark on the international stage, adding a fresh dimension to India’s attacking prowess.
The midfield, helmed by stalwarts like Manpreet Singh and Raj Kumar Pal, will be crucial in maintaining stability and control. Their experience will be complemented by the agility and enthusiasm of younger players, who are expected to inject pace and creativity into the team’s play. The absence of key players like Hardik Singh, Mandeep Singh, and Lalit Upadhyay, who have been rested, opens up opportunities for the new faces to prove their mettle.
Chief Coach Craig Fulton’s Vision for Success
Chief Coach Craig Fulton has outlined the significance of the Asian Champions Trophy in the broader context of the new Olympic cycle. After the team’s return to training following their celebratory phase post-Olympic success, Fulton has placed strong emphasis on the importance of this tournament in building on the team’s ranking points.
“This tournament is crucial for us to maintain our position at the top of Asian hockey,” Fulton stated. “We’ve strategically rested some of our Olympic players to give youngsters who have performed well in training a chance to shine. The Asian Champions Trophy is an excellent platform for these players to step up.”
Fulton expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to retain the title, highlighting the blend of experience and youthful exuberance as key to India’s continued dominance in the continent.
India’s Path in the Asian Champions Trophy
India’s journey in the Asian Champions Trophy will begin with a clash against hosts China on September 8th, followed by a face-off against Japan on the 9th. The team will then take on Malaysia and Korea on September 11th and 12th, respectively.
After a day’s rest, India will renew its rivalry with Pakistan on the 14th, a match anticipated to be one of the tournament’s most thrilling encounters. The semi-finals and final are scheduled for September 16th and 17th, where India will aim to secure another title.
Full India Hockey Squad for Asian Champions Trophy
Goalkeepers:
- Krishan Bahadur Pathak
- 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
As India gears up for the Asian Champions Trophy 2024, the spotlight will be on how effectively the blend of experienced stalwarts and emerging talents will perform. With the squad’s balance of youth and experience, combined with strategic coaching from Craig Fulton, the team is poised to defend its title and maintain its standing at the pinnacle of Asian hockey. All eyes will be on Krishan Bahadur Pathak as he steps into the shoes of a legend, aiming to lead India to yet another victory.
When is the Asian Champions Trophy 2024?
India’s journey in the Asian Champions Trophy will begin with a clash against hosts China on September 8th.
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