India make two changes for Test event

BANGALORE: India have made two changes in the 18-member squad that figured in the Olympic hockey qualifiers in February as they head for the four-nation Olympic test event to be played on the blue pitch at the Hockey Centre in Olympic park in London from May 2-6.

Midfielder Ignace Tirkey, who has found his new role in the defence to his liking, is part of India’s three-man wall at the London event. Ignace was named among midfielders for the qualifiers but was used more in the rearguard by chief coach Michael Nobbs. In the event, Rupinder Pal Singh has been shunted to the standbys’ list, thereby reducing India’s drag-flicking option to two — Sandeep Singh and VR Raghunath. Gurbaj Singh returns to the midfield after missing the qualifiers owing to injury.

Hockey Team:

Goalkeepers: Bharat Chetri (captain), Sreejesh PR. Defenders: Sandeep Singh, VR Raghunath, Ignace Tirkey.

Midfielders: Birendra Lakra, Sardar Singh (vice- captain), Manpreet Singh, Gurbaj Singh, Kothajit Singh.

Forwards: SV Sunil, Sarvanjit Singh, Gurwinder Singh Chandi, Shivendra Singh, Danish Mujtaba, SK Uthappa, Tushar Khandker, Chinglensana Singh.

Standbys: Rupinder Pal Singh, Pradeep Mor, Dharamvir Singh, Pradhan Somanna.