India announce Asian Games hockey squad with one key change

India have made one change to their men's hockey squad for the Asian Games, with Raj Kumar Pal replacing Aditya Arjun Lagale. The largely unchanged group will defend the title in Japan, where gold also brings direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.India will look to defend their Asian Games title in 2026. (Courtesy: Hockey India)India have made just one change to their men's hockey squad for the Asian Games, with midfielder Raj Kumar Pal replacing youngster Aditya Arjun Lagale in the 20-member side for the tournament in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The selectors have otherwise retained the group that will represent the country at next month's FIH Hockey World Cup.The decision reflects India's intent to rely on an established core as they look to defend the Asian Games gold medal they won in Hangzhou. The tournament also carries added significance, with the champions earning direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.Head coach Craig Fulton said the squad has the experience needed to meet the challenge of playing away from home in a high-stakes tournament."The Indian squad selected for the Asian Games is very experienced. We look forward to the challenge of playing in Japan where the winner qualifies for the LA 2028 Olympics and that is the ultimate goal for us as a team and as a nation," Fulton said. The only change from the World Cup squad sees Raj Kumar return to the fold after missing out on the global tournament, while Lagale will instead remain with the World Cup group. Harmanpreet Singh continues to captain the side, with veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh among the experienced names retained for the title defence.ONE CHANGE FOR ASIAN GAMESBeyond Raj Kumar's inclusion, the selectors have resisted making wholesale changes to the squad. Mohith HS and Suraj Karkera have been named as the two goalkeepers, while the defence will once again be led by Harmanpreet alongside Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Sumit and Yashdeep Siwach. The midfield features Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad and Rajinder Singh, while Abhishek, Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh and Shilanand Lakra complete the forward line.India have been drawn in Pool A alongside hosts Japan, Korea, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Indonesia as they seek to retain the title they won three years ago."Be it the youngsters or the senior players, I have complete faith in all the players to make good use of the opportunities they get. The main target is to not take pressure, enjoy the game and understand your responsibilities," Harmanpreet said.LA OLYMPIC SPOT AT STAKEWhile India will first turn their attention to the World Cup, the Asian Games remain one of the biggest assignments of the season because of the Olympic qualification on offer. Winning gold in Japan would not only see Harmanpreet's side retain the continental crown but also secure an early place at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.India begin their campaign against Indonesia on September 20 before taking on Sri Lanka, Korea, hosts Japan and Bangladesh in the remaining Pool A matches.Asian Games India men's hockey squad: 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.- EndsPublished On: Jul 29, 2026 14:43 IST