Hockey India names men's squad for Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026, Pathak returns
Synopsis
Defending champions India have named their squad for the Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026, with Harmanpreet Singh captaining a side that won the Asian Games gold. Goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak's return and two fresh call-ups signal a mix of proven quality and emerging talent as India host the continent's best for the first time in years — with five ACT titles and a passionate Punjab crowd behind them.
Key Takeaways
Hockey India announced the 18-member men's squad for the Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 on 13 October 2026 .
The tournament runs from 27 October to 5 November across Jalandhar and Mohali .
Goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak makes a comeback; Amandeep Lakra and Aditya Arjun Lalage earn fresh senior opportunities.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh previously led India to a historic Asian Games gold — the first time the team defended its continental title.
India are the tournament's most successful side with five Asian Champions Trophy titles .
League matches will be held at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium, Jalandhar ; knockouts at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium, Mohali .
Hockey India on Tuesday, 13 October announced the 18-member Indian men's squad for the Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026, to be held across Jalandhar and Mohali from 27 October to 5 November. Goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak makes a notable comeback, while defending champions India gear up to host Asia's elite hockey nations on home soil.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh to Lead Defending Champions
Captain Harmanpreet Singh retains the armband after steering India to a historic gold medal at the Asian Games in Japan, where the team became the first to successfully defend its continental crown. The squad largely retains the core that delivered that triumph, signalling continuity in selection philosophy as India prepares for a high-profile home campaign.
Two younger faces — defender Amandeep Lakra and midfielder Aditya Arjun Lalage — have been handed fresh opportunities to cement their places in the senior setup. Vishnu Kant Singh and Aditya Arjun Lalage's positional peer Angad Bir Singh have been named reserve players alongside the playing eighteen.
Pathak's Comeback and Full Squad Breakdown
The return of goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak is among the most watched developments in the squad announcement. He joins Suraj Karkera between the posts. The defending unit features Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, and Sanjay alongside skipper Harmanpreet and Lakra. The midfield is anchored by Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh, and Manpreet Singh, while the attack is led by Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, Shilanand Lakra, and Rajinder Singh.
Coach Craig Fulton on the Home Advantage
Chief Coach Craig Fulton underscored the significance of hosting the tournament in Punjab. 'Playing the ACT in Punjab will be something special,' Fulton said. '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.'
The sentiment reflects a broader strategic intent: Punjab's hockey heritage, having produced generations of iconic players, is expected to translate into a fervent home support that the team intends to leverage.
Venue Details: Jalandhar and Mohali Share the Honours
The Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar will host the opening ceremony and all league-stage fixtures from 27 October to 2 November. The tournament then moves to Mohali, where the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium will stage the semi-finals on 4 November and the medal matches on 5 November.
This edition marks the return of international hockey to Punjab after a gap, giving the region — a cradle of Indian hockey — a fresh platform in the global spotlight.
India's Record and What Is at Stake
India enter as the tournament's most decorated side, having claimed the Asian Champions Trophy title five times. A sixth title on home turf would further consolidate their standing as the continent's dominant force heading into the next cycle of international competition. Notably, the event also provides a competitive proving ground for younger players ahead of more demanding global assignments.
Point of View
However, is what this tournament represents for Punjab: a region that gave Indian hockey its identity but has waited years to host a flagship international event. If the crowds turn up in Jalandhar and Mohali the way the sport's history in Punjab promises, this could be a cultural moment as much as a competitive one — and that context tends to elevate performance.
NationPress
13 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026?
The Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 runs from 27 October to 5 November 2026, split between two venues: the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar (league stage, 27 October–2 November) and the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali (semi-finals on 4 November, medal matches on 5 November).
Who is captaining the Indian men's hockey team for this tournament?
Harmanpreet Singh will captain India at the Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026. He previously led the team to a historic gold at the Asian Games in Japan, where India defended their continental title for the first time.
Why is Krishan Bahadur Pathak's inclusion significant?
Krishan Bahadur Pathak's selection marks a comeback to the national squad, making it a closely watched development in Hockey India's goalkeeping plans. He joins Suraj Karkera as one of the two goalkeepers in the 18-member squad.
How many times has India won the Asian Champions Trophy?
India have won the Asian Champions Trophy five times, making them the tournament's most successful team. A sixth title on home soil in Punjab would further strengthen their position as Asia's leading hockey nation.
Who are the reserve players named in India's squad?
Midfielder Vishnu Kant Singh and forward Angad Bir Singh have been named as the two reserve or replacement players alongside the 18-member playing squad for the Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026.
