Asian games 2026: Nilakanta Sharma replaces injured Raj Kumar Pal in squad ahead of India vs Pakistan hockey semifinal
Indian coach Craig Fulton confirmed the replacement in a video shared by Hockey India on social media.
Updated : Sep 30, 2026 14:39 IST , CHENNAI - 1 MIN READ
File - India's Raj Kumar Pal in action against Japan during the 2025 Hero Asia Cup Hockey. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY
File - India's Raj Kumar Pal in action against Japan during the 2025 Hero Asia Cup Hockey. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY
Midfielder Raj Kumar Pal has suffered a thumb injury and was replaced by Nilakanta Sharma in the Indian men’s hockey team ahead of its Asian Games 2026 semifinal against Pakistan.
Indian coach Craig Fulton confirmed the replacement in a video shared by Hockey India on social media.
“It’s unfortunate for Raj. At the same time, we have great experience coming in. Nilakanta has been to two Olympics, World Cups, so it’s a nice addition at an important time,” Fulton said.
Raj Kumar sustained the injury in the team’s last pool match against Bangladesh.
India entered the last-four stage after a spotless group-stage campaign, topping Pool A with five wins from as many games. Meanwhile, Pakistan entered the semifinals by virtue of finishing second in Pool B.
The Harmanpreet Singh-led side will be looking to enter the summit clash once again in the Asiad and defend its gold medal.
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Published on Sep 30, 2026
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