Overview
- Hockey India announced the 20‑player men’s squad on Wednesday, July 29, with Harmanpreet Singh retained as captain and Mohith HS and Suraj Karkera named as goalkeepers.
- Selectors made only one personnel change from the World Cup group by adding midfielder Raj Kumar Pal in place of Aditya Arjun Lalage to preserve continuity in selection.
- India are drawn in Pool A with Japan, South Korea, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Indonesia and will play pool matches at Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium starting with Indonesia on September 20.
- Coach Craig Fulton framed the tournament as a top priority because the Asian Games champions earn a direct berth to the LA 2028 Olympics, explaining the emphasis on experience in the squad.
- The 20‑player list mixes veteran leaders such as Manpreet Singh with younger internationals across defence, midfield and attack, a balance designed to defend the Hangzhou 2023 title and manage a busy international calendar.