Three players from Odisha, including drag-flicker Amandeep Lakra, have been selected in the Indian men`s hockey team for the 9th Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament, scheduled to be held in Jalandhar and Mohali (Punjab) from 27 October to 5 November 2026.

Hockey India today announced a 20-member National team, which includes two reserve/ replacement players. Odisha defender Amit Rohidas and forward Shilanand Lakhra have retained their places in the team that successfully defended the gold meda at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya earlier this month.

Amandeep has made a comeback to the Senior National squad after missing the Asian Games. He made his senior international debut in the FIH Pro League match against Belgium at Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, Rourkela earlier this year.

Son of eminent hockey coach Bijay Kumar Lakra, Amandeep has the distinction of winning four junior international medals, including gold at Junior Asia Cup in 2023 and Sultan of Johor Cup in 2021. He was awarded as the player of the tournament at the 7th Mens Hockey India League this year.

Host India, China, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea and Bangladesh will compete in the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy. Bangladesh replaced Pakistan, who withdrew from the tournament, raising security concerns and sought a neutral venue which was rejected by the Asian Hockey Federation.

India has been the most successful team in the Asian Champions Trophy, winning five gold (2011, 2016, 2018, 2023, 2024) and one bronze (3021) medal so far. India will play their opening match against Bangladesh on October 27.

INDIAN MENS HOCKEY TEAM: Goalkeepers: Suraj Karkera, Krishan Bahadur Pathak. Defenders: Sanjay Rana, Harmanpreet Singh (c), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amandeep Lakra. Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh. Forwards: Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek Nain, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh. Reserve/Replacement Players: Vishnu Kant Singh, Angad Bir Singh.
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PHOTO: File picture of Odisha defender Amandeep Lakra.