hockey Adrian, Prabhjot axed; Rajpal to lead

MANUJA VEERAPPA

The new-look Indian men’s hockey team for the Asian Champions Trophy in China, which was announced on Tuesday saw fresh blood being infused as the aging legs and aching limbs of seniors made way for youngsters.
Going by the list, it is not the best combination that could have been picked from the talent pool of 48 that will be led by former captain Rajpal Singh.

Some of the youngsters who are yet to prove their credentials even on the domestic circuit have got a look in, based on their performance at the camp.

The surprise exclusion was that of senior goalkeeper Adrian D’Souza. Although chief coach Michael Nobbs said the best goalkeepers were picked, according to Hockey India sources, D’Souza was shown the door due to his attitude, which was discussed at the selection committee meeting. “The team has been picked on form. there wasn’t a lot of difference between goalkeepers,“ said Nobbs.

Veteran forward Prabhjot Singh too found himself out of the China trip.
Said Nobbs, “Prabhjot hasn’t played at the senior level for nearly a year and a half.
Given the opportunity young boys have shown they are better than him. At the trials, they outshone him in all respects.“

On the team, he said, “There are a few players missing through injury, but they would be given an opportunity to come back.

We have given the opportunity to some new players, who probably fortunately or unfortunately, have dis placed a couple of senior.“

A surprise in the team is midfielder Ignace Tirkey who is far from his best after a spat of injuries.
Defending the inclusion of many rookies like Manjit Kullu and Manpreet Singh, Nobbs said, “These youngsters deserve a chance because they outshone the seniors.“

Meanwhile the women’s team for the women’s section of the championship too was named. Seasoned campaigner Saba Anjum will lead the team.

Teams: Men Goalkeepers: Bharat Chetri, P.R. Sreejesh; Defenders: Sandeep Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, Harpreet Singh; Midfielders: Sardar Singh, Gurbaj Singh, Ignace Tirkey, Manpreet Singh, Manjit Kullu; Forwards: Rajpal Singh (capt), Danish Mujtaba, Sarvanjit Singh, S.V. Sunil, Ravi Pal, Gurvinder Singh Chandi, Roshan Minz, Yuvraj Walmiki; Standbys: Kamaldeep Singh (gk), V.R. Raghunath (defence), Vikas Shar ma (midfield), Birender Lakra (midfield), Mandip Antil (forward), Chinglensana Singh Kangujam (forward).

Schedule: Sept. 3 -India vs China, Sept. 4 -India vs Japan, September 6 -India vs South Korea, Sept. 7 -India vs Malaysia, Sept. 9 -India vs Pakistan, Sept. 11 -classification matches and final.

Women: Goalkeepers: Yogita Bali, Savita; Defenders: Joydeep Kaur, Jaspreet Kaur, Th Pinki Devi; Midfielders: Ritu Rani, Asunta Lakra, Kirandeep Kaur, Mukta Prava Barla, Deepika, Kiran Dahiya: Forwards: Saba Anjum (capt), Jaspreet Kaur Handa, Poonam Rani, Vandana Kataria, Rani, Th. Anuradha Devi, Soundarya Yendala. Standbys: Rajani Etimarpu (Ggk), Preety Sunila Kiro (defence), M.N. Ponnamma (midfield), Sushila Chanu (midfield), Deep Grace Ekka (midfield), Roselin Dung Dung (forward), Lilima Minz (forward), Rashmi Singh (forward).