Times of India: Young brigade to add valour to 2016 HIL

NEW DELHI: A host of promising players are all set to showcase their talent against some formidable names of the game in the fourth edition of the Hockey India League to be held across various cities of the country from January 18 to February 21.

One such youngster is 17-year-old defender Dipsan Tirkey, vice-captain of the Indian junior team. He is expected to begin his campaign against Uttar Pradesh Wizards in the opening match of the league. Dipsan, who is yet to make it to the senior team, will hope to make a mark in the upcoming HIL where selectors will keep a keen watch on youngsters who might make it to the probable’s list for the Rio Olympics.

Another formidable name in the young brigade this year is Dabang Mumbai’s 20-year-old drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh. Harmanpreet, who hails from Punjab, will represent the Mumbai outfit for the second consecutive year. In his stint last year, Harmanpreet left a strong mark in the Indian hockey circle by slamming five goals for the side.
Half-back Arman Qureshi, 21, along with Varun Kumar, representing Jaypee Punjab Warriors, are two youngsters who also are expected to turn heads this season. Harjeet Singh, 20, captain of the India’s junior side and one of the most promising faces of the future, will be seen in action this year representing Delhi Waveriders. The Punjab midfielder, who rose up the ranks to lead the junior national team, is known for his prolific performances against formidable teams.

The six team annual franchise based hockey league is scheduled to be played across six venues in the country from January 18 to February 21. The six franchises battling for supremacy in the richest field hockey league in the world are Jaypee Punjab Warriors, Delhi Waveriders, Kalinga Lancers, Uttar Pradesh Wizards, Dabang Mumbai and defending champions Ranchi Rays.