New Delhi: Hockey India (HI) will be sending its 'development side' for a tri-nation series in Pakistan also involving Malaysia to be held in Lahore April 9-13.
The series, however, is subject to government approval. The team was picked after selection trials at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre, Bangalore held March 16 and 17. The team was selected by Hockey India selectors B.P. Govinda and Syed Ali, along with government observer Harbinder Singh.
Midfielder Gurbaj Singh, who has 140 international caps, will be leading the side while young medio Manpreet Singh will be his deputy.
The team includes four players who represented India in the recently concluded Olympic Qualifiers. The HI 'development side' comprises mostly youngsters ready for international matches but needing experience to play at the senior level.
The squad:
Goalkeepers: P.T. Rao, Nanak Singh
Defenders: Rupinderpal Singh, Harbir Singh, Amit Rohidas
Midfielders: Gurbaj Singh (captain), Manpreet Singh (vice-captain), Kothajit Singh Khadangbam, Gurmail Singh, M.B. Aiyappa, S.K. Uthappa, Dharamvir Singh, Nithin Thimmaiah
Forwards: Chinglinsana Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Pradhan Somanna, P.L. Thimmanna, M.G. Poonacha
Standbys: Rahul Shilpkar (defender), Stanley Victor Minz (midfielder), Rocky Lochab (midfielder), Mandeep Singh (forward)
Officials: Mohd. N. Riaz (coach), B.J. Kariappa (coach), Umesh T.N. (doctor), Harishankar (video analyst), Ripudaman Sharma (umpire), Anupam Gulati (administrative manager), Rajeev Mehta (manager).
