Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
New Delhi: Five-time champions India are set to take on Korea in their opening match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament on Sunday. The prestigious tournament will be held in Ipoh, Malaysia from November 23 to 30 with India, the second-most successful team in the event, participating as the most favourite.
India will take part in the tournament for the first time since 2019, when they finished as the runners-up, making this edition the most special one for the Men in Blue. This year's edition is set to feature India, Belgium, Canada, Korea, New Zealand and hosts Malaysia. All the participating six teams will be competing in a round-robin format, with the top two teams qualifying for the final.
After the first clash against Korea, India will be facing Belgium in their second game on November 24 and then lock horns with Malaysia on November 26 and New Zealand on November 27. The Indian team, led by Sanjay, will concluded their league stage campaign against Canada in November 29.
This tournament will serve as a platform for preparations especially with the Indian team building towards the 2026 FIH Men's Hockey World Cup and the 2026 Asian Games. Apart from serving as a platform for preparations, the event will also help the side test new combinations.
Pawan and Mohith HS will serve as the goalkeepers while the defensive unit comprises Poovanna Chandura Boby, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Yashdeep Siwach, Jugraj Singh, Amit Rohidas and captain Sanjay. Meanwhile, Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, Vivek Sagar Prasad and Mohammed Raheel Mouseen will be present in the midfield, while Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Selvam Karthi, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Dilpreet Singh and Abhishek will lead the attack for India.
Also, India have rested some of their senior players like regular captain Harmanpreet Singh, Manpreet Singh among others for this tournament. The coach and the captain have sounded confident for the team ahead of the start of the tournament.
