Hockey India to pick-up 22-member squad for Australia Tour – Hockey News
In order to pick-up a strong line-up for the forthcoming Australian tour, Hockey India organised a one-day trial at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) which was successful in the presence of the top brass of the federation.
In the morning session of the trials, all the probable players contested several games of newly designed nine-a-side. In the later session, they played traditional 11-a-side matches and everyone delivered his best to impress the selectors. It is vital to
mention here that Thoiba Singh, Syed Ali, BP Govinda and AB Subbaiah, the members of the Selection Committee while Dilip Tirkey observed the complete sessions in order to finalise the 22-member squad for the crucial tour.
The 22-member squad will take part in a couple of nine-a-side tournaments in Australia besides playing friendly matches against the host team. Korea and Pakistan will also join the Hockeyroos and Indians in the nine-a-side events.
Executive Director of Hockey India Anupam Gulati informed the journalists that the training session completed effectively and they were quite confident with the form of the youngsters. He said, “The trials went really well and we are happy with the form
of some of the players. Since the tour is a long one, we’ve decided to pick 22 players.”
Australia-based Indian Hockey Coach Michael Nobbs informed the media persons that they could play a test series against Pakistan in order to prepare the team prior to the Olympic Qualifiers. However, the HI Director did not hint at any sign in this regard.
He stated that Pakistan had approached them offering to play a bilateral test series. However, they would have to get permission from Central Government of India. He further added that they had not discussed the proposal with the government up till now.
The Executive Director further commented that the team would hold training in Bangalore which has all the necessary facilities. Quoting Desh Deepak Verma, the SAI Director General Gulati informed that the team will also get training at the Dhyan Chand Stadium
in New Delhi where the event will be contested. He said, “The team will switch training to the Dhyan Chand stadium (in New Delhi) ahead of the Olympic qualifiers only to get a feel of the turf as the qualifiers are scheduled to be held there.”
He did not comment about the interim agreement between Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) which resulted in the shifting of the Champions Trophy from India to New Zealand. Unless the situation is not finalised, the Olympic Qualifiers might be
shifted to another country as well.
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