India's Hockey Team Prepares for Upcoming Asian Champions Trophy

India, 31 December 2025 — The Indian men's hockey team is gearing up for the Asian Champions Trophy, set to commence in Chennai next week. The tournament will see India compete against top Asian teams, including Pakistan, Japan, and South Korea. This event marks a significant opportunity for India to assess its squad's readiness ahead of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup.

Chief Coach Harendra Singh expressed confidence in the team's preparation, emphasizing the importance of adapting strategies against each opponent. The team recently concluded a rigorous training camp in Bangalore, where they worked on refining defensive techniques and penalty corner conversions.

The Asian Champions Trophy is seen as a crucial platform for the Indian team to establish dominance in the region, especially following their bronze medal finish at the 2025 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Key players like Harmanpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh are expected to play pivotal roles in the tournament.

India last won the Asian Champions Trophy in 2018 and will be looking to reclaim the title. The tournament's opening match is scheduled for January 4th, with India facing off against Malaysia. The event will also serve as a test for newer players aiming to secure their spots for future international competitions.