Manpreet to lead India in Asian Champions Trophy in hockey
Bhubaneswar. Olympic bronze medalist Manpreet Singh’s captain will be the captain of India’s 20-man men’s hockey team at next month’s Hero Asian Champions Trophy in Dhaka, while veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh is not on the squad. Star dragger Harmanpreet Singh will serve as the team’s vice-captain. This tournament will be played from December 14 to 22. This is India’s first tournament after the Tokyo Olympics and many new faces have been added to the team.
Sreejesh has rested and the goalkeeper will be with KB Pathak and Suraj Karkera. In defense, Harmanpreet Singh will be joined by Gurinder Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Neelam Sanjeep Sess, Dipsan Tirkey, Varun Kumar and Mandeep Mor.
The center of the field will be commanded by Manpreet, Hardik Singh, Jaskaran Singh, Sumit, Rajkumar Pal, Shamsher Singh and Akashdeep Singh. In the front row will be Lalit Upadhyay, Dilpreet Singh, Gursahibjit Singh, Shilan and Lakra. Defending champions India will face Korea on the first day. Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan and Bangladesh will also play in the tournament.
Head coach Graham Reid said: “We have selected the team with the future in mind. It is necessary to give opportunities to the players, then only a strong team will be ready. This team has young and experienced players.” India will play Korea on the 14th. December, Bangladesh on 15, Pakistan on 17, Malaysia on December 18 and Japan on December 19. The semifinals will be played on December 21 and the final on December 22. The last time in the tournament played in Oman, the final did not could be held due to heavy rains, then India and Pakistan were declared joint winners.
Team: Goalkeepers: Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Suraj Karkera Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh, Gurinder Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Neelam Sanjeep Sess, Dipson Tirkey, Varun Kumar and Mandeep Mor Midfielders: Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singmarh, Jaskaran Singh, De Sumitros, Rajhherku and Akashdeep Singh: Lalit Upadhyay, Dilpreet Singh, Gursahibjit Singh, Shilanand Lakra
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