Hockey India announced that an 18-member Indian Men’s Team which will take part in the Rabobank Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy Breda 2018 in the Netherlands starting June 23. The team will be led by goalkeeper PR Sreejesh under whose captaincy the Indian team created history in the previous edition by clinching silver.
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 Sardar 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’s aim will be to finish on the podium to set the momentum right ahead of major international events such as the Asian Games in August and the much-awaited World Cup in Bhubaneswar 2018 starting in November. India will begin their campaign at the Champions Trophy against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 23.
India squad
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 (vice-captain), Sardar Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad
Forwards: Sunil Sowmarpet Vitalacharya, Ramandeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Sumit Kumar (Jr.), Akashdeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh
