Hockey India Unveils Men’s Squad For Australia Tour
India’s 24-member men’s hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, features young defender Poovanna CB for the upcoming Australia tour starting from August 15.
India has named young defender Poovanna CB in the 24-member men’s hockey squad led by star drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh for the four-match tour of Australia, which kicks off in Perth on August 15.
This tour is being treated as a preparation assignment ahead of the crucial Asia Cup, to be held in Rajgir from August 29, which also serves as a World Cup qualifying event.
“We are heading to Perth, Australia to fine-tune our skills before the Asia Cup in Bihar. The emphasis will be on enhancing physical fitness and technical performance through quality training sessions and practice matches,” said chief coach Craig Fulton.
Fulton further stated that the tour will allow the team to assess younger players and experiment with various combinations under competitive conditions.
“We have included some fresh faces to give them important exposure and to try out different combinations in pressure scenarios. This tour forms a vital part of our build-up and is a chance to build rhythm both at an individual and collective level before playing on home soil.”
The squad includes Krishan Pathak and Suraj Karkera as goalkeepers, while the defence will be managed by Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Amit Rohidas, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Jugraj Singh, and Poovanna CB from Karnataka.
Among the midfielders is promising youngster Rajinder Singh, who is often likened to former India captain Sardar Singh. He will be joined by Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, and Vishnu Kant Singh.
The forward line features Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Selvam Karthi, and Aditya Lalage.
The Indian contingent will fly to Australia on Friday from Bengaluru, where they are currently undergoing training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) facility.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Krishan B Pathak, Suraj Karkera
Defenders: Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh (Captain), Sanjay, Amit Rohidas, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Jugraj Singh, Poovanna CB
Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, Vishnu Kant Singh
Forwards: Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Selvam Karthi, Aditya Lalage
