Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Amit Rohidas and Shilanand Lakra have been named in the 18-member Indian squad for the Hero Men’s Asia Cup hockey championship to be held at the new Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar from August 29 to September 7.
The 32-year-old seasoned defender Rohidas has the experience of 208 international caps, having scored 28 goals for India. Shilanand, 26, has so far played 33 matches for the national team and scored 6 goals.
Another Odisha player, defender Nilam Sanjeep Xess, has been named as alternate athlete along with Selvam Karthi.
Veteran drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will continue to lead the Indian team.
Pakistan and Oman have withdrawn from the tournament, and have been replaced by Bangladesh and Kazakhstan.
India, who have been placed in Pool A, will begin their campaign against China on August 29, before facing Japan (August 31) and Kazakhstan (September 1).
Pool B comprises defending champions Korea, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Chinese Taipei.
The Asia Cup serves as a qualifier for the FIH Hockey World Cup to be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands in 2026.
INDIA SQUAD FOR ASIA CUP
Goalkeepers: Krishan B Pathak, Suraj Karkera
Defenders: Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh
Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad
Forwards: Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh
Alternate Athletes: Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Selvam Karthi.
