Hockey trials next week

BANGALORE: The number of probables at the national hockey camp will be brought down to around 48 by the end of next week, a figure finalised for preparations for the London Olympics next year.

Chief coach Michael Nobbs told TOI that trials had been planned next week to identify the cream. “The selectors are arriving next week and we will have trials. We will reduce the number to around 48-50 by the end of next week. Sometime later, we reduce them even more,” Nobbs said.

As for the camp schedule, the Australian said he was still using a combination of drills and games to analyse the players.

“I am still studying the players and analysing their test results. I am hoping exercise physiologist David John will join us soon. Once he is here, we will get started on the programme,” he said.

The team will train at Madras Engineers Group on Saturday and Sunday. This is to give SAI some more time to clean up the turf. Apparently, only one batch of players will be taken to MEG for practice.