Indian Men's Hockey Team Set for Asian Champions Trophy 2024 in China

The Indian Men's Hockey Team departs for Hulunbuir, China to compete in the Men's Asian Champions Trophy 2024. They aim to defend their title, facing teams from Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan, and China. Key matches include a clash against Pakistan on September 14.

The Indian Men's Hockey Team departed for Hulunbuir, China on Tuesday to participate in the Men's Asian Champions Trophy 2024. The team, which won bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics, aims to defend its title in a competition featuring squads from Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan, and China. India's campaign kicks off against hosts China on September 8, followed by a match against Japan on September 9. They will face Malaysia on September 11, Korea on September 12, and arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14. The top four teams will advance to the semi-finals on September 16, with the final slated for September 17, according to a Hockey India press release.

"Following a brief break after the Paris Olympics, the team is ready to compete against the best in Asia and prove our mettle. We had a good outing in Paris, but hockey is a close game, and we cannot rest on our laurels. Our aim is to play high-octane hockey and retain our title," stated Indian men's hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh before departing. Vice Captain Vivek Sagar Prasad added, "It is a great honor to be named vice captain at such a young age. However, our team shares responsibilities collectively. We have several new players with immense potential, and we'll create a nurturing environment for them during our title defense."

The Indian men's hockey team comprises 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.

(With inputs from agencies.)