Times of India: Indian hockey juniors ready for EurAsia Cup challenge

Bengaluru, July 6 (IANS) While the Indian senior men’s hockey team is gearing up for the Rio Olympics, an upbeat junior squad spearheaded by defender Dipsan Tirkey was on Wednesday leaving for Russia to compete at the EurAsia Cup beginning from July 9.

The squad includes a promising line-up with talented players such as Santa Singh, Parvinder Singh and drag-flick expert Varun Kumar.

“This tournament forms part of our preparations for the Junior World Cup to be held in Lucknow at the end of this year. It will be a good platform to test new players and try out different combinations,” stated junior head coach Harendra Singh.

“Based on the performance in Russia and later in England, it will help us create a strong pool of players before picking the final team for the World Cup.”

The coach further explained that the senior men’s recent performances in London where they won an historic silver medal at the Champions Trophy has hugely inspired the junior team and they are vying to replicate a similar performances in these overseas matches.

“The junior men closely follow all the matches played by the senior team and they have been highly motivated after watching their senior counterparts excel in the Champions Trophy,” Harendra said.

“Since we have started the camp here in Bengaluru where the senior team has been training as well, the juniors have had a chance to closely interact with some of the senior players and learn from them.” he added.
India play their opening game against Dynamo-Stroitel on July 9.