New Delhi: India will look forward to defend its title in the 2nd Asian Champions Trophy to be played on a round-robin league format at Doha, Qatar from 20-27 December 2012.

India is the defending champion as they defeated Pakistan 4-2 via penalty shootout in a nerve-wrecking final to clinch the inaugural Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament played at Ordos Hockey Stadium, China in 2011. The high voltage clash between India and Pakistan remained goalless after normal and extra time but finally ended into India winning it via penalty shootout.

The 2012 tournament will also feature China, Japan, Malaysia, Oman and Pakistan. India will open its campaign against China on 20 December 2012 followed by matches against Japan, Oman, Pakistan and Malaysia on 21, 23, 24 and 26 December respectively.

The 18 member squad will be captained by Midfielder Sardar Singh while fullback VR Raghunath will be the Vice-Captain.

Schedules are also attached herewith.

List of players is as under-

GOAL KEEPERS

1. PR Sreejesh
2. PT Rao

FULLBACKS

3. VR Raghunath (Vice-Captain)
4. Rupinderpal Singh
5. Harbir Singh

HALF BACKS

6. Sardar Singh (Captain)
7. Kothajit Singh
8. Birendra Lakra
9. Manpreet Singh
10. Gurmail Singh

FORWARDS

11. SV Sunil
12. Gurvinder Singh Chandi
13. Danish Mujtaba
14. S.K. Uthappa
15. Nithin Thimmaiah
16. Yuvraj Walmiki
17. Dharamvir Singh
18. Akashdeep Singh

STANDBYES

1. Srenivas Rao – Goalkeeper
2. Sandeep Singh - Defender
3. Amit Rohidas- Defender
4. MB Aiyappa - Halfback
5. Shivendra Singh - Forward
6. Chinglensana Singh- Forward
7. Pradhanna Sommanna- Forward
8. PL Thimmanna- Forward

By Indian Sports News Network