New Delhi, 13 October: Hockey India on Tuesday announced the Indian men’s squad for the Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026, scheduled to be held in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5.
Goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak makes a comeback, while young defender Amandeep Lakra and midfielder Aditya Arjun Lalage have earned another opportunity to strengthen their place in the senior setup.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh will lead the side after guiding India to a historic gold medal at the Asian Games in Japan, where the team successfully defended its continental crown for the first time.
The squad retains its core that delivered success at the Asian Games, reflecting continuity as India prepares to take on Asia’s leading hockey nations on home soil.
Midfielder Vishnu Kant Singh and forward Angad Bir Singh have been named as the two reserve players besides the 18-member playing squad.
“Playing the ACT in Punjab will be something special,” said Chief Coach Craig Fulton. “This squad blends youth with experience, and we can’t wait to feed off the home crowd. There’s nothing like playing a tournament in India, and we’ve missed it.”
The tournament holds special significance, marking the return of international hockey to Punjab, a state that has made an immense contribution to the sport and produced generations of iconic players.
With matches scheduled in Jalandhar and Mohali, the competition will bring some of Asia’s finest hockey talent to a region with a deep-rooted connection to the game.
