Sardar Singh is once again set to lead the Indian men’s hockey team as skipper Manpreet Singh has been rested for the 27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, which will begin in Malaysia on 3 March. Forward Ramandeep Singh will be shouldering the responsibility of Vice Captain, announced Hockey India on Tuesday, 20 February.
The tournament will see top-ranked Australia, World No 2 Argentina, England, India, Ireland and hosts Malaysia in an exciting contest that ends on 10 March.
Sardar is one of the leaders in the core group and in Manpreet Singh’s absence, he has been chosen for the job. He is an experienced player and having missed two tournaments previously, this is an opportunity for him to show his skills.Sjoerd Marijne, Coach, Indian Hockey Team
Senior players SV Sunil, Rupinder Pal Singh and PR Sreejesh are also going to be sitting out of this tournament. While three debut players – Mandeep Mor, Sumit Kumar and Shilanand Lakra – have been included in the squad with an eye on the 2020 Olympic Games, said the official press statement by Hockey India.
Just like the New Zealand Tour where four players made their International debut, the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is a great opportunity for these new players to get international exposure against top teams.Sjoerd Marijne, Coach, Indian Hockey Team
While Sumit Kumar (Junior) is part of the ongoing Senior Men National Camp, Mandeep Mor and Shilanand Lakra have been called-up from the junior men's core group. They were also part of the India Colts team that won Bronze Medal at the Sultan of Johor Cup last year.
“With youngsters who have done well in New Zealand as well as few more getting the right international exposure, it will only help us create a bigger group. Playing top teams in their first tournament will be challenging but this is also an opportunity for the seniors to help the youngsters adjust to this level,” added the 43-year-old Dutch Coach.
Sardar Singh will play in the midfield along with SK Uthappa, Sumit, Nilakanta Sharma and Simranjeet Singh. India's defence will be guarded by Varun Kumar, Amit Rohidas, Dipsan Tirkey, Surender Kumar and new comers Mandeep Mor and Nilam Sanjeep Xess, while the Indian goalpost will be kept by Suraj Karkera and Krishan Pathak. The forward line will feature Gurjant Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Talwinder Singh and debut players Sumit Kumar (Junior) and Shilanand Lakra.
“This tournament is extremely important for the players who are going because it is another opportunity for them to experience high level competition especially from teams like Australia and Argentina. This is a chance for them to show their capability in the international level and ensure their place in the squad for future tournaments,” said Marijne.
Squad
Goalkeepers
Suraj Karkera
Krishan B Pathak
Defenders
Amit Rohidas
Dipsan Tirkey
Varun Kumar
Surender Kumar
Nilam Sanjeep Xess
Mandeep Mor
Midfielders
SK Uthappa
Sardar Singh (Captain)
Sumit
Nilakanta Sharma
Simranjeet Singh
Forwards
Gurjant Singh
Ramandeep Singh (Vice-captain)
Talwinder Singh
Sumit Kumar (Junior)
Shilanand Lakra
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