Stepping onto the field with determination in their eyes and the weight of their nations on their shoulders. These players showcased not only their athletic prowess but also the essence of teamwork, sportsmanship, and the spirit of competition. From the precision of their passes to the artistry of their shots, each player brought a unique blend of skills that transformed the pitch into a theatre of excitement. Check here the Top 10 Best Players of Men’s Asian Champions Trophy.
However, the energy in the air was palpable as fans from different corners of Asia and beyond united to support their respective teams. The roars of joy and the gasps of anticipation echoed through the stadiums, encapsulating the emotional journey that unfolded with every match.
Top 10 Best Players of Men’s Asian Champions Trophy
With this lineup of exceptional players, the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2023 unfolded as a saga of passion and dedication. Their brilliance intertwined seamlessly with the collective efforts of their teams, setting the stage for intense battles and unforgettable moments.
CHECK HERE: Hockey Schedule 2023: All Upcoming Tournaments of Hockey
The Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2023 is a hockey tournament that is happening in Chennai, India from August 3 to August 12. Six teams from Asia are competing for the trophy: India, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Pakistan, and China. The tournament is very exciting and has many talented players who are showing their skills and passion for the game. So, let’s explore who are the best players!
10. Chongcong Chen (China)
Chongcong Chen is China’s captain and top scorer, playing in their fifth Asian Champions Trophy. He has scored three goals in five matches, including a brilliant solo effort against Malaysia in the group stage. He is also a very effective defender and leader who motivates his teammates and organizes the backline.
Chen is one of the reasons why China drew against South Korea and give a tough fight to Pakistan. Moreover, he represented China in the 2020 and 2024 Olympics and at the 2022 and 2026 World Cups. He is the most capped player in the current squad with 167 international appearances.
| Nickname | Not Available |
| Profession | Hockey Player |
| Date of Birth | 10 October 1999 |
| Age | 23 |
| Birthplace | Shanghai, China |
| Country | China |
| Education and school | Shanghai Sports School and the Shanghai University of Sport |
| Height | 1.76 m |
| Weight | 70 kg |
| Family Details | Not Available |
9. Shahril Saabah (Malaysia)
Shahril Saabah is a veteran striker who has been playing for Malaysia since 2011. He is on the list of highest scorers of the tournament with five goals. Shahril has scored in every match except the one against India, where he missed a penalty stroke. Additionally, he is also a good team player who creates chances for his teammates and helps in defense.
Further, Shahril is also the captain and the most experienced player in the Malaysian team. He has led his team to several achievements, such as winning the 2021 Asian Games gold medal. Additionally, he played a crucial role to qualify for the 2024 Olympics. He is a respected and inspirational figure for his teammates and fans.
| Nickname | Not Available |
| Profession | Hockey Player |
| Date of Birth | 28 March 1994 |
| Age | 29 |
| Birthplace | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| Country | Malaysia |
| Education and school | Not Available |
| Height | 1.73 m |
| Weight | 74 kg |
| Family Details | Not Available |
8. Jang Jong-hyun (South Korea)
Jang Jong-hyun is a drag-flick specialist who has scored four goals from penalty corners for South Korea. However, Korea is the defending champions of the tournament. He is also a solid defender who makes crucial tackles and interceptions.
Jong-hyun scored a stunning goal against India in the group stage, where he flicked the ball into the top corner of the net with great power and accuracy. He is one of the most experienced players in the Korean team and a key player in their success.
| Nickname | Jangbas |
| Profession | Hockey Player |
| Date of Birth | 28 March 1984 |
| Age | 39 |
| Birthplace | South Korea |
| Country | South Korea |
| Education and school | Not Available |
| Height | 1.83 m |
| Weight | 80 kg |
| Family Details | Not Available |
7. Abdul Shahid (Pakistan)
Abdul Shahid is a young hockey player from Pakistan who plays as a forward. He is one of the emerging talents in Asian hockey and has won the Emerging Player Award at the Asian Champions Trophy 2023 in Chennai, India. Shahid scored three goals in the tournament, including one against South Korea in their first match.
Moreover, he comes from a family of hockey players, as his father, uncle, and cousins have also represented Pakistan at various levels. Further, he made his senior debut at the age of 16 in the Asia Cup 2022. He is one of the players to watch out for in the future of Pakistani hockey.
| Nickname | None |
| Profession | Hockey Player |
| Date of Birth | Not Available |
| Age | 17 |
| Birthplace | Lahore, Pakistan |
| Country | Pakistan |
| Education and school | Crescent School |
| Height | Not Available |
| Weight | Not Available |
| Family Details | Not Available |
6. Faizal Saari (Malaysia)
Faizal Saari is a star player who has been playing for Malaysia since 2009. He is the playmaker of the team, who can score goals as well as create them. Faizal has scored three goals and assisted two more in the tournament so far. He is very versatile, as he can play as a striker, a midfielder, or a winger.
Moreover, he has won many accolades and awards for his country and his club, such as the Asian Games bronze medal in 2010 and 2018, the Asian Champions Trophy gold medal in 2016 and 2021, and the Best Player of the Year award in 2013 and 2017.
| Nickname | Not Available |
| Profession | Hockey Player |
| Date of Birth | 13 January 1991 |
| Age | 32 |
| Birthplace | Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia |
| Country | Malaysia |
| Education and school | Not Available |
| Height | Not Available |
| Weight | Not Available |
| Family Details | Not Available |
5. Kenta Tanaka (Japan)
Kenta Tanaka is a dynamic midfielder who has been playing for Japan since 2012. He is the top scorer of Japan with three goals, including two against Pakistan in the group stage. Further, Kenta is a very good passer and dribbler who can create chances for his teammates and himself.
Kenta Tanaka is also a very young player who has a lot of potential to improve. He is only 23 years old and has already played 95 matches for Japan, scoring 35 goals. He is one of the key players of the Japanese team and has been nominated for the FIH Rising Star of the Year award in 2022.
| Nickname | Real Samurai |
| Profession | Hockey Player |
| Date of Birth | 4 May 1988 |
| Age | 35 |
| Birthplace | Shiga Prefecture, Japan |
| Country | Japan |
| Education and school | Not Available |
| Height | 1.72 m |
| Weight | Not Available |
| Family Details | Not Available |
4. Muhammad Rizwan Sr (Pakistan)
Muhammad Rizwan Sr is a senior player who has been playing for Pakistan since 2010. He is the captain and the top scorer of Pakistan with four goals, including two against Japan in the group stage. Rizwan is an excellent defender and tackler who can stop opponents from scoring.
Muhammad Rizwan has won many honors and awards for his country and his club, such as the Asian Games gold medal in 2018, the Asian Champions Trophy silver medal in 2016 and 2021, and the Best Player of the Year award in 2019.
| Nickname | Rizwan Sr. |
| Profession | Hockey Player |
| Date of Birth | 31 December 1989 |
| Age | 32 |
| Birthplace | Toba Tek Singh, Pakistan |
| Country | Pakistan |
| Education and school | Not Available |
| Height | Not Available |
| Weight | Not Available |
| Family Details | Not Available |
3. Harmanpreet Singh (India)
Harmanpreet Singh is a star player who has been playing for India since 2015. He is the tournament’s highest scorer with seven goals, all from penalty corners. Harmanpreet is a brilliant defender and passer who can control the game from the backline. He is also a calm and composed player who can handle pressure situations.
Harmanpreet is one of the best drag-flickers in the world and has been nominated for the FIH Player of the Year award in 2022 and 2023. He is a rising star and has played 120 matches for India, scoring 65 goals.
| Nickname | Harry |
| Profession | Hockey Player |
| Date of Birth | 6 January 1996 |
| Age | 27 |
| Birthplace | Jandiala Guru, Amritsar, Punjab |
| Country | India |
| Education and school | Government Senior Secondary School |
| Height | 1.80 m |
| Weight | 70 kg |
| Family Details | Harjinder Singh (Father) Satwinder Kaur (Mother) Gurjinder Singh (elder brother) and Amandeep Singh (elder brother) |
2. Razie Rahim (Malaysia)
Razie Rahim is a legend who has been playing for Malaysia since 2007. He is the most-capped player in the team with over 300 international appearances. Razie is also the vice-captain and the drag-flicker of the team, who has scored four goals from penalty corners in the tournament.
Additionally, Razie has won many honors and awards for his country and his club, including the Asian Games bronze medal in 2010 and 2018, the Asian Champions Trophy gold medal in 2016 and 2021, and the Best Player of the Year award in 2015 and 2018.
| Nickname | Penalty corner specialist |
| Profession | Hockey Player |
| Date of Birth | 25 August 1987 |
| Age | 35 |
| Birthplace | Malaysia |
| Country | Malaysia |
| Education and school | He holds a Master’s in Human Resource Management at University Putra Malaysia |
| Height | 178 cm |
| Weight | 75 kg |
| Family Details | Not Available |
1. Manpreet Singh (India)
Manpreet Singh is the best player of the tournament and the captain of India, who are unbeaten and have scored the most goals in the tournament. He is a world-class midfielder who can do everything on the pitch. Manpreet is the heart and soul of the Indian team who can score goals, create chances, defend, tackle, dribble, pass, and run.
However, he made his debut for India in 2011 at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, where he scored his first international goal. He has since represented India in many tournaments, such as the 2016 and 2020 Olympics, the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, and the Asian Games.
| Nickname | Mandy |
| Profession | Hockey Player |
| Date of Birth | 25 January 1995 |
| Age | 28 |
| Birthplace | Jalandhar, Punjab |
| Country | India |
| Education and school | Surjit Hockey Academy |
| Height | 178 cm |
| Weight | 70 kg |
| Family Details | Not Available |
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