Men’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2024: From India’s squad to schedule, everything you need to know

The Indian men’s national hockey team will be looking to hit the restart button after a successful Olympic season and defend their Asian Champions Trophy title when they open their campaign against hosts China in Hulunbuir, China on Sunday. Having won two consecutive Olympic bronze medals, India will start as favourites to defend their ACT title against Asia’s top hockey nations, namely China, Japan, Pakistan, Korea and Malaysia. Last year, India won the title at home, making them the only team to win four titles in the tournament’s history.

After a short break following the Paris Olympics, Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh is looking to continue his dominance at the continental championships.

“Last year’s Asian Champions Trophy gave us the right momentum for the Asian Games and then came the triumph at the Olympic Games, where we once again stood on the winner’s podium. This time too, we want to start a new Olympic cycle by winning this tournament,” said Harmanpreet before the tournament kicked off.

“Although there are ten members of the Olympic team at this tournament, we also have a few young players who are trying to make an impression on the team.

“In terms of game play, attack and penalty corners are our strength but we will try to play a structured defence, especially against teams like Japan, Malaysia and Pakistan. In terms of world ranking points, this is an important tournament for us and we are ready for the challenge,” he added.

After China, India will face Japan in its second match on September 9, followed by games against last year’s runners-up Malaysia on September 11, Korea on September 12 and arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14.

The semifinals and finals are scheduled for September 16 and 17.

India’s schedule for the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024:

against China – 8 September – 15:30

against Japan – September 9 – 13:15

against Malaysia – 11 September – 13:15

vs. South Korea – September 12 – 1:15 p.m.

against Pakistan – 14 September – 13:15

India squad:

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, Mohammed Raheel Mouseen

Strikers – Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Uttam Singh, Gurjot Singh

With PTI inputs