Krishan Pathak returns as India announce squad for Hockey Asian Champions Trophy

India have recalled goalkeeper Krishan Pathak and retained the core of their Asian Games gold medal-winning squad for the Asian Champions Trophy in Punjab. Harmanpreet Singh will be leading the side as international hockey returns to Punjab.Krishan Pathak returns to the side after missing the World Cup and Asian Games. (Photo: Instagram/Krishan Pathak)New Delhi,Oct 13, 2026 16:52 ISTIndia have recalled Krishan Bahadur Pathak for the first time since December 2025 as they have retained the core of the Asian Games gold medal-winning side for the Asian Champions Trophy. Pathak replaces Mohith KS in the squad with young defender Amandeep Lakra and Aditya Arjun Lalage being given a chance to strengthen their chances of sealing a regular spot in the senior side. Pathak was India's main goalkeeper since PR Sreejesh retired.However, the 29-year-old was dropped from the side for a reported episode of indiscipline during the South Africa tour and was subsequently dropped from the FIH Pro League squad for February. Since then, Pathak missed the Hockey World Cup and the Asian Games.Harmanpreet Singh will be leading the team once again, with Midfielder Vishnu Kant Singh and forward Angad Bir Singh included as the two standbys, with the main squad comprising 18 players.The tournament will mark the return of international hockey to Punjab as the Asian Champions Trophy will be held in Jalandhar and Mohali. Coach Fulton was happy with the squad selected for the tournament and is eager to see the team play infront of a passionate crowd in Punjab. "Playing the ACT in Punjab will be something special," said Chief Coach Craig Fulton."This squad blends youth with experience, and we can't wait to feed off the home crowd. There's nothing like playing a tournament in India, and we've missed it." Jalandhar will host the tournament's opening ceremony and league-stage matches at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium from October 27 to November 2.The competition will then shift to Mohali for the knockout rounds, with the semi-finals set for November 4 and the medal matches scheduled for November 5 at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium.INDIA SQUAD FOR ASIAN CHAMPIONS TROPHYGoalkeepers: Suraj Karkera, Krishan Bahadur PathakDefenders: Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh (c), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amandeep LakraMidfielders: Rajinder Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh, Manpreet SinghForwards: Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Mandeep SinghReserve/Replacement Players: Vishnu Kant Singh, Angad Bir Singh.- Ends