Bangalore: Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh will lead an 18-member Indian men’s hockey team in the fourth Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) to be played in Kuantan, Malaysia from October 20 to 30. Orissa’s Birendra Lakra, who missed the Rio Games with a knee injury also makes a return to the squad.
With an aim to form a group of leaders, Hockey India (HI) selectors have named 24-year-old midfielder Manpreet Singh as the vice-captain of the side for this tournament in place of SV Sunil.
Defender Jasjit Singh Kular returned to the squad and will be expected to double-up as a drag-flicker in place of experienced VR Raghunath, who has been rested for the tournament.
The forwardline, will miss the services of Akashdeep Singh and Ramandeep Singh, both of whom have been given a break. The duo will be replaced by Talwinder Singh and Lalit Kumar Upadhyay.
Meanwhile, after the announcement of the side, Sreejesh told reporters here Thursday that India hold the edge over their rivals in the tourney. The other countries participating in the event are Korea, Japan, China, hosts Malaysia and defending champions Pakistan.
“We have an edge over the Asian countries because we are playing a combination of the European and Indian style of hockey, but we need to perform consistently,” stated Sreejesh. “But at this level even though we are the Asian Games champion, we cannot take any team lightly. All the teams are preparing for the 2018 Asiad and so will put their best foot forward,” he added.
Talking about Lakra’s comeback, Sreejesh said, “Lakra is one of my favorites, but unfortunately he had to miss out on the Rio Olympics. I would love to have him right from the first match, but all depends on (Roelant) Oltmans – the decision lies with him.”
Press Trust of India
