Injury Strikes Indian Men's Hockey Team Ahead of Asian Champions Trophy

The Indian men's hockey team has been dealt a significant blow with the injury of veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh just before the Asian Champions Trophy. As the team prepares to defend their title, Vivek Sagar Prasad has been called up to replace him. This tournament marks a crucial moment for India, who will compete against teams like Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea. The opening match against Bangladesh is set for October 27, with the tournament moving to Mohali for the semi-finals and finals. With a rich history in the competition, India aims to secure their sixth title amidst these challenges.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 27, 2026, 13:44 IST

Injury Update on Manpreet Singh

Photo: @TheHockeyIndia/X

Jalandhar, Oct 26: The Indian men's hockey team faces a setback as veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh has been sidelined due to a calf injury sustained during training.

In his absence, Vivek Sagar Prasad has been called up to join the squad as India gears up to defend their title at the Asian Champions Trophy, which kicks off on Tuesday.

Captain Harmanpreet Singh announced the news during a press conference with the captains of the six participating teams, stating, "Manpreet Singh will miss the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 due to a calf injury from training. He has been replaced by fellow playmaker Vivek Sagar Prasad."

This injury is particularly disappointing for Manpreet, who was eager to play on the same field where he honed his skills as a teenager. Since his debut for the senior national team in 2011, he has participated in 430 matches, secured two Olympic medals, and earned three gold medals at the Asian Games, yet he has never had the opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd in Punjab.

As for the tournament, India will face five other teams: Malaysia, Japan, China, South Korea, and Bangladesh, all vying for the championship title.

India's first match is scheduled for October 27 against Bangladesh, followed by encounters with China on October 29, Japan on October 30, Malaysia on November 1, and South Korea on November 2.

After the league matches from October 27 to November 2 in Jalandhar, the tournament will shift to the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali for the semi-finals and medal matches on November 4 and 5.

India, having won the ACT title five times, is the most successful team in the tournament's history, with South Korea being the only other team to have claimed the trophy in this ninth edition.