Harmanpreet Singh to Lead India’s Men’s Hockey Team at Asian Games 2026, LA28 Olympic Qualification at Stake
Sports Correspondent :Imran Sohail
India has announced its 20-member men’s hockey squad for the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with captain Harmanpreet Singh set to lead the team in its title defence campaign.
The Asian Games hockey tournament will also serve as an important qualifying event for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28), with the winner earning a direct place at the next Summer Olympics.
Harmanpreet Singh Continues as Captain
Harmanpreet Singh has retained the captaincy after successfully leading India to the Asian Games gold medal in 2023 and helping the team secure a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
India’s most-capped men’s hockey player Manpreet Singh has also been included in the squad, adding experience to the midfield.
India Men’s Hockey Squad for Asian Games 2026
Goalkeepers:
- Mohith HS
- Suraj Karkera
Defenders:
- Jarmanpreet Singh
- Harmanpreet Singh (Captain)
- Amit Rohidas
- Jugraj Singh
- Sanjay
- Sumit
- Yashdeep Siwach
Midfielders:
- Rajinder Singh
- Raj Kumar Pal
- Hardik Singh
- Manpreet Singh
- Nilakanta Sharma
- Vivek Sagar Prasad
Forwards:
- Dilpreet Singh
- Shilanand Lakra
- Sukhjeet Singh
- Mandeep Singh
- Abhishek
Olympic Qualification in Focus
India’s head coach Craig Fulton said the squad combines experience and talent, adding that the team’s main objective is to secure qualification for the LA28 Olympics.
The winner of the men’s hockey competition at the Asian Games will qualify directly for the 2028 Olympic Games in the United States.
India’s Group Stage Matches
India has been placed in Pool A alongside:
- Japan
- South Korea
- Bangladesh
- Sri Lanka
- Indonesia
India will begin its campaign against Indonesia on September 20, followed by matches against Sri Lanka, South Korea, Japan, and Bangladesh.
India’s Asian Games Hockey Record
India has a strong history in Asian Games hockey, winning:
- 4 gold medals
- 9 silver medals
- 3 bronze medals
The team’s gold medal victories came in Bangkok 1966, Bangkok 1998, Incheon 2014, and Hangzhou 2023.
The men’s hockey competition has been part of the Asian Games since Tokyo 1958, making it one of the event’s longest-running sports.
