NEW DELHI: Hockey India unveiled the 18-member men's squad set to compete in the prestigious Asian Champions Trophy 2023. Scheduled to take place at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai from August 3 to 12, this thrilling tournament also doubles as a crucial preparation event for the upcoming Hangzhou Asian Games 2023.

At the forefront of the team stands the exceptional drag-flicker and defender, Harmanpreet Singh, who will continue to lead the charge. Assisting him will be the talented midfielder, Hardik Singh, as his deputy. In the goalkeeping department, the responsibility falls on the shoulders of the experienced duo of PR Sreejesh and Krishan Bahadur Pathak.

A formidable defensive lineup has been assembled, featuring Jarmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Jugraj Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, and Amit Rohidas. Their collective prowess will undoubtedly challenge any opposition they encounter.

Heading the midfield brigade are the skilled players - Hardik, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Shamsher Singh, and Nilakanta Sharma. Adding to the midfield strength is the return of Manpreet Singh, who, after being previously listed as a defender during the European leg of the Pro League, is now back to his natural midfield position.

In the forward line, India boasts an impressive arsenal of talent with Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Gurjant Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, and S Karthi. This lethal combination of forwards is fully capable of delivering crucial goals, creating scoring opportunities, and relentlessly pressuring the opposing defense.

The tournament's Pool stage promises enthralling matches, as India will go head-to-head against formidable teams such as Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan, and China.

Chief Coach Craig Fulton expressed his optimism about the selected squad, stating, "We have meticulously curated a team with the potential to shine and make their mark at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023."

This exhilarating competition awaits, and the Indian team is all set to seize the opportunity and showcase their skill, determination, and passion for the sport on the grand stage of the Asian Champions Trophy 2023.

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