India will begin their campaign as favourites when the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) gets underway in Punjab on Tuesday. The five-time champions will face Bangladesh in their opening match, looking to build on their gold-medal-winning performance at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.The tournament is special for another reason. International hockey is returning to Punjab after a gap of 17 years, giving several Indian players a chance to play in front of their families and home fans.The last international hockey tournament held in the state was the Gold Cup in 2009.
A special occasion for Punjab’s hockey stars
Punjab has played a major role in Indian hockey for decades. More than half of the current Indian team comes from the state, which has produced several leading players over the years.India captain Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Rajinder Singh, Hardik Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh will get the opportunity to play in their home state in front of family and friends.For Harmanpreet, having his family in the stands is expected to make the occasion even more special.The tournament will also bring back memories of some of India’s greatest hockey players, including Balbir Singh Senior, Udham Singh Kular, Prithipal Singh, Ajit Pal Singh, Surjit Singh Randhawa and Pargat Singh.Sansarpur village in Jalandhar is often called the ‘Mecca of Indian hockey’. It has produced 14 Olympians and around 300 other national and international players.India chief coach Craig Fulton is also looking forward to the team’s return to Punjab.“…we can’t wait to feed off the home crowd. There’s nothing like playing a tournament in India, and we’ve missed it,” he said.However, India will be without experienced midfielder Manpreet Singh, who suffered a calf injury during a training session. Vivek Sagar Prasad has replaced him in the squad.
India aim to extend their record
India are the highest-ranked team in the competition, sitting eighth in the world rankings. They are also the most successful side in the tournament’s history, having won the title five times — in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2024. The defending champions have retained the core of the squad that won gold at the Asian Games, with a few changes.Goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak has replaced Mohith HS. Young defender Amandeep Lakra and midfielder Aditya Lalage have also been given opportunities to prove themselves at the international level.India will start against Bangladesh, who replaced Pakistan after the latter withdrew from the tournament, citing security reasons.After the opening match, India will face China on October 29, Japan on October 30, Malaysia on November 1 and Korea on November 2.The top four teams in the league stage will qualify for the semifinals. The semifinals and final will be held in Mohali on November 4 and 5.
Malaysia and Japan could test India
With Pakistan absent, Malaysia are expected to pose the biggest challenge to India. The two sides have had tough battles in the past, and India cannot afford to take the Malaysians lightly.India beat Malaysia 5-1 in the Asian Games final, but the upcoming tournament will provide another test for Harmanpreet and his teammates.Korea have struggled to maintain their earlier standing in international hockey, but Japan remain capable of upsetting stronger teams. Japan gave India a tough fight in their recent Asian Games meeting before losing 0-2.India will need to remain focused throughout the competition if they want to add another ACT title to their record.
Four senior players could make their final appearance
The tournament could also mark the end of the international careers of four experienced Indian players — Mandeep Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas and Nilakanta Sharma.All four were part of India’s medal-winning teams at the Olympics and Asian Games. It is reliably learnt that the ACT could be their final assignment for the country.The quartet wanted to continue playing, but Hockey India’s top brass has decided that the team needs a smooth transition as preparations begin for the 2028 Olympics.India secured their place at the Los Angeles Games by winning gold at the Asian Games. The ACT could therefore provide an opportunity to assess younger players while allowing the senior members to make one final contribution.
ACT: Opening-day fixtures
- Malaysia vs China — 1pm
- Japan vs South Korea — 3.15pm
- India vs Bangladesh — 7pm
ACT: India’s squad
Goalkeepers: Suraj Karkera, Krishan Bahadur PathakDefenders: Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh (captain), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amandeep LakraMidfielders: Rajinder Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar PrasadForwards: Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh
