Jalandhar: India will open their men's Asian Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh in Jalandhar on Tuesday, October 27, beginning the defence of the title they won in the last two editions. The six-team tournament marks the return of international hockey to Punjab after 17 years.
Source: Hockey India via Revsportz
India are the most successful side in the tournament's history, with five titles in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2024, and are chasing a third consecutive crown. Japan, Malaysia, China, South Korea and Bangladesh complete the field; Bangladesh took the place vacated after Pakistan withdrew.
Source: NewKerala
Manpreet ruled out, Vivek Sagar in
India suffered a setback on the eve of the tournament when veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh was ruled out after sustaining a calf injury in a training session. He has been replaced by fellow playmaker Vivek Sagar Prasad in the squad, captain Harmanpreet Singh told the captains' press conference on Monday.
Source: IANS
Manpreet, who made his senior India debut in 2011, has played 430 international matches, won two Olympic medals and three Asian Games gold medals. The Jalandhar tournament would have been his first appearance in front of fans in his home state of Punjab.
Source: IANS
Hosts arrive as Asian Games champions
India enter the tournament after successfully defending their Asian Games gold medal in Japan, and head coach Craig Fulton's side will play China on October 29, Japan on October 30, Malaysia on November 1 and South Korea on November 2 in the league stage. The semi-finals and final are scheduled in Mohali on November 4 and 5.
Source: Hockey India via Revsportz
"Every team is here to compete and win the tournament. All the teams are strong, and we do not want to take any opponent lightly," Harmanpreet said ahead of the opener.
Source: NewKerala
Sources: IANS, Hockey India via Revsportz, and NewKerala.