Asian Champions Trophy: 20-men Indian Hockey announced

India has named a 20-member men's hockey team squad for the Asian Champions Trophy 2021, which will be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from December 14 to 22.

Manpreet Singh, who captained India to a historic bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, will lead the squad. Defender Harmanpreet Singh will be vice-captain.

One big name missing from the Indian squad is veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. However, The 33-year-old has been a regular in the Indian hockey team and was one of the standout stars at Tokyo 2020. Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera will be India’s custodian choices in PR Sreejesh’s absence.

Read also: Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup: Meet the 16 teams participating in the tournament

"While selecting this team we now must have our eyes on the future. It takes a deep and strong squad to build sustained success so players have to be given opportunities to perform," India men’s hockey chief coach Graham Reid said. Likewise "We have picked a team that has a good mix of experience and younger guys, who will have their chance to show what they can do.

"The Asian Champions Trophy is a world-class event that will provide all teams with a fantastic opportunity to start the next Olympiad with the much-needed competition. Although We are looking forward to the challenge," Reid added. 

Trophy 2021: India schedule, fixtures and live match times 

December 14, Tuesday: India vs South Korea – 3:00 PM IST

December 15, Wednesday: India vs Bangladesh – 3:00 PM IST

December 17, Friday: India vs Pakistan – 3:00 PM IST

December 18, Saturday: India vs Malaysia – 3:00 PM IST

December 19, Sunday: India vs Japan – 3:00 PM IST

December 21, Tuesday: Semi-finals and fifth-sixth playoff – 3:00 PM IST onwards

December 22, Wednesday: Final and third/fourth playoff – 5:30 PM IST onwards