India and China are grouped in Pool A alongside Japan and Kazakhstan, while Pool B comprises South Korea, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Chinese Taipei. Kazakhstan returns to the Asia Cup after three decades, replacing Pakistan and Oman who withdrew from the tournament.
Pakistan’s withdrawal was attributed to security concerns following India’s Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack in April. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semifinals, with the final scheduled for September 7.
“This is the most important tournament of the year,” stated chief coach Craig Fulton, who has fielded a full-strength side after India’s recent struggles in the FIH Pro League.
India’s recent record against Asian teams has been impressive, with 94 goals in 14 matches across the 2023 Asian Games and 2024 Asian Champions Trophy. However, their bronze medal finish at the 2022 Asia Cup serves as a reminder of potential performance fluctuations.
India’s opening opponent China, ranked 23rd globally, relies primarily on counter-attacks. The Chinese team’s best Asia Cup performance was a third-place finish in 2009 at Kuantan, Malaysia.
China’s Olympic appearance was limited to their 2008 home games where they finished 11th. Their sole World Cup participation in 2018 resulted in a 10th place finish.
Squads:
India:
Goalkeepers: Krishan Pathak, Suraj Karkera
Defenders: Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh (captain), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh
Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad
Forwards: Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh
Reserves: Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Selvam Karthi
China: Ao Xu, Chen Qijun, Gao Jiesheng, Chen Chengfu, Meng Yuanfeng, Li Pengfei, Chen Chongcong (C), LU Yuanlin, Meng Dihao, Xu Jiebin, Du Shihao, Zhang Xiaojia, Ao Suozhu, Meng Nan, Lin Changliang, Guo Xiaolong, Wang Weihao (GK), Wang Caiyu (GK), Ao Yang, Chen Benhai.
