New Delhi: Midfielder Raj Kumar Pal replaced young Aditya Arjun Lalage as Hockey India announced the men’s squad for the Asian Games 2026 on Wednesday, which will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.
Raj Kumar was not included in next month’s Hockey World Cup squad. But the midfielder got his spot back, replacing Lalage, who will feature in the 20-member squad for the World Cup, which is set to be co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to 30.
The Indian team management and Hockey India selectors didn’t make any other changes to the team that will feature in the World Cup. Star defender and drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will continue to lead the team, while veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh is also included.
Mohith HS and Suraj Karkera are the two goalkeepers in the team, while the defensive unit comprises Jarmanpreet Singh, captain Harmanpreet, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit and Yashdeep Siwach.
“The Indian squad selected for the Asian Games is very experienced. We look forward to the challenge of playing in Japan where the winner qualifies for the LA 2028 Olympics and that is the ultimate goal for us as a team and as a nation,” India’s chief coach Craig Fulton said.
Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet, Nilakanta Sharma and Vivek Sagar Prasad will lead the midfield while Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sukhjeet Singh, Mandeep Singh and Abhishek will marshal the forward line.
The India team is heading into the continental tournament as the defending champions after winning the gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games. Harmanpreet and Co. have drawn in Pool A along with hosts Japan, Korea, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.
Twelve teams are split into two pools of six each, and will compete for the gold medal at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara. India will start their Asian Games campaign against Indonesia on September 20, before facing Sri Lanka on September 22, Korea on September 24, and Japan on September 26. They will conclude the pool stage against Bangladesh on September 28.
India’s squad for Asian Games 2026
Goalkeepers: Mohith HS, Suraj Karkera.
Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh (c), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, Yashdeep Siwach.
Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad.
Forwards: Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sukhjeet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Abhishek.
