Manpreet Singh ruled out due to calf injury, Vivek Sagar Prasad set to lead India in Asian Champions Trophy

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New Delhi: Indian hockey team’s midfielder Manpreet Singh has been ruled out of the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy 2026, which is a big blow to the defending champions ahead of the tournament.

As per a report in India Today, Vivek Sagar Prasad is likely to take charge of India ahead of the competition.

Manpreet is one of India’s most experienced midfielders who has been instrumental for his team over the years, in Olympic years as well as other major tournaments.

His lack will be a blow to India in the middle of the park. With his experience, work ethic and his ability to dictate the tempo of the game, it will be missed.

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Manpreet was especially gutted because he had hoped to participate in the tournament in front of his home crowd in Punjab.

He was also in line to become the first player to appear in all eight editions of the Asian Champions Trophy. The experienced midfielder rued the missed opportunity, noting the importance of playing in his home state.

India will start their quest for another title on October 27 against Bangladesh at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar.

The league matches will be played till November 2, before the tournament shifts to Mohali for the semi-finals and the medal matches. Five-time winners India will be eyeing to get over the loss of Manpreet and win their sixth title on home soil.

Also Read: Bangladesh replace Pakistan after their withdrawal from Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026

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