New Delhi: The 4th edition of Coal India Hockey India League, the premier league for hockey, on Friday, is all set to see a surge of fresh blood adding valour to the nation’s largest hockey extravaganza. The six-team annual franchise-based hockey league, is scheduled to be played across six venues in India from January 18-Febuary 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.
The Coal India Hockey India League, which for the last three editions has been the training ground for many future stars of Indian hockey, this year will see promising stars showcase their talent against formidable opponents and some well-established names in world hockey.
One such youngster is 17-year-old defender Dipsan Tirkey, vice- captain of the Indian Junior men’s hockey team, is expected to begin his campaign against Uttar Pradesh Wizards on January 18 in the opening match of the 4th edition of the Coal India Hockey India League. Dipsan, who is yet to make it to the senior team, will hope to make a mark in the upcoming league where selectors will keep a keen watch on youngsters who might make it to the probables’ list for the Indian team gearing up for the Rio Olympics scheduled for later this year.
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 Mumbai for the second consecutive year and will look forward to an exciting outing in this edition of the league. Harmanpreet in his stint last year left a strong mark in the Indian hockey circle, slamming five goals for the side. Harmanpreet, who is known for his strong defence techniques, will be another bright young face to watch out for in the 4th edition of the Coal India Hockey India league.
21-year-old half-back, Arman Qureshi, along with Varun Kumar, representing Jaypee Punjab Warriors are two youngsters who are expected to turn heads this season. Arman, who has been one of the top scorers for the Indian Junior men’s hockey team, has shown a lot of mettle in his last outing at Malaysia for the Sultan of Johor Cup 2015, where the Indian junior men’s hockey team finished as the runners up, losing to Great Britain in a nail-biting finish.
Varun who is in for his second stint along with first timer Arman Qureshi will be representing the two time finalists Jaypee Punjab Warriors with the hope of leaving a mark in the selectors mind for the upcoming Rio Olympics.
20-year-old Harjeet Singh, captain of the Indian men’s junior hockey team and one of the most promising faces for the future of Indian hockey will be seen in action this year representing Delhi Waveriders. The Punjab midfielder, who rose up the ranks to lead the Indian junior team, is known for his prolific performances against the most formidable teams in Junior hockey.
Harjeet who was awarded the player of the tournament at the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia last year will look forward to a fruitful season this year hoping to impress the selectors who will be on a watch out for fresh faces for the Indian team for the Rio Olympics scheduled for later this year.
