Veteran defender Sardara Singh has been recalled in the 18-member Indian men's hockey team for the final edition of the prestigious Champions Trophy 2018, beginning on June 23 in the Netherlands.
Besides Sardara, forward Ramandeep Singh and midfielder Birendra Lakra have also returned to the squad after former coach Sjoerd Marijne dropped the trio for the 21st edition of the Commonwealth Games. The team will be led by ace goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, under whose captaincy the Indian team created history in the previous edition by clinching the silver medal after a tense final encounter with world number one Australia. It was India's first podium finish at the Champions Trophy in 34 years.
Sreejesh will be joined by youngster Krishan Pathak as goalkeeper while India's defence will see the experienced Birendra Lakra make a comeback into the squad. He will be joined by drag-flickers Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar and Amit Rohidas along with Surender Kumar and debut player Jarmanpreet Singh who earned a place in the Core Group after a stupendous domestic season.
India's midfield will be formed by stalwart Sardara Singh, Manpreet Singh, Chinglensana Singh Kangujam and the talented Vivek Sagar Prasad. The forward line will feature SV Sunil, Ramandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh and Sumit Kumar (Jr). India will begin their campaign at the Champions Trophy 2018 against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 23.
The full list:
Goalkeepers: Sreejesh Parattu Raveendran (C), Krishan Bahadur Pathak
Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, Surender Kumar, Jarmanpreet Singh, Birendra Lakra, Amit Rohidas
Midfielders: Manpreet Singh, Chinglensana Singh Kangujam (VC), Sardar Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad
Forwards:Sunil Sowmarpet Vitalacharya, Ramandeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Sumit Kumar (Jr.), Akashdeep Singh, Dilpreet.
Rani Rampal returns to women's squad for Spain tour
Skipper and ace striker Rani Rampal returned to the 20-member Indian women's hockey team announced for the tour of Spain starting June 12. The Indian team will play a five-match series against the Spanish team as part of its build-up for the World Cup in July in London, Hockey India said. The team will have goalkeeper Savita as vice-captain. Youngster Swati has been called up as the back-up goalkeeper for the tournament.
Rani had been rested from the Asian Champions Trophy where India won a silver medal. India's defence will see the return of experienced Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam. She will be joined by Sunita Lakra, Deep Grace Ekka, Suman Devi Thoudam, Deepika and drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur. In the midfield, Namita Toppo, Lilima Minz, Monika, Neha Goyal, Navjot Kaur and Nikki Pradhan will hold fort.
The Team:
Goalkeepers: Savita (VC), Swati
Defenders: Sunita Lakra, Deep Grace Ekka, Suman Devi Thoudam, Deepika, Gurjit Kaur, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam
Midfielders: Namita Toppo, Lilima Minz, Monika, Neha Goyal, Navjot Kaur, Nikki Pradhan
Forwards: Rani (C), Vandana Katariya, Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Udita, Anupa Barla.
