Sardar Singh will be leading the Indian hockey team in the International Super Series and 34th Champions Trophy in Australia, Hockey India (HI) announced on Monday. The 18-member team, including six standbys, was selected after trials at the SAI Centre, Netaji Subhas Institute of Sports in Patiala Oct 25-27. The trials were witnessed by selectors Balbir Singh, B.P. Govinda and Thoiba Singh as well as government observer Harbinder Singh and chief coach Michael Nobbs.

The International Super Series, which also features England, Australia and Pakistan, will be played in Perth Nov 22-25. India will open its campaign against England Nov 22 followed by matches against Australia and Pakistan.

The Champions Trophy will be held in Melbourne at the State Netball Hockey Centre Dec 1-9. India are in Pool A with England, Germany and New Zealand while hosts Australia, Belgium, Netherlands and Pakistan are in Pool B.

India will open its campaign against England (Dec 1) followed by matches against New Zealand (Dec 2) and Germany (Dec 4).

ARCHERY ELECTIONS

New Delhi: The Archery Association of India (AAI) chief, Vijay Kumar Malhotra, said on Monday that BVP Rao, national convener of Clean Sports India (CSI), won’t pose a challenge in the federation elections on November 9.

Rao, a former bureaucrat, is all set to challenge the veteran politician and sports administrator, but Malhotra said, “I have the support of at least 90 per cent state units. I have nothing to worry.”

Rao, too, exuded confidence, saying, “Things are in my favour.”