Hockey: PR Sreejesh to lead India at the Asian Games
India have announced their 18-member men's hockey squad for the upcoming Asian Games, which will kick off from August 18. Veteran goal-keeper PR Sreejesh has been named the captain of the side. Notably, he was recently adjudged the best goal-keeper in the FIH Hockey Men's Champions Trophy. India will be hoping to defend their title when the tournament begins in Jakarta in August.
Chinglensana Singh Kangujam to be Sreejesh's deputy
India have named a strong mid-field with several senior players including the likes of former captain Sardar Singh, Manpreet Singh, Simranjeet Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad. Mid-field ace Chinglensana Singh Kangujam has been named the vice-captain for the tournament. Forwards Akashdeep Singh and senior drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh have made a return to the squad.
India will play Korea and New Zealand before Asian Games
Coach Harendra Singh has already drafted plans to make sure India are not short on preparations for the Asian Games. In the coming weeks, India will see take on the Korean national team in five games. Harendra Singh is likely to experiment with his squad in these games. India will then take on New Zealand in 3 matches ahead of the Asian Games.
India's complete squad
Goalkeepers: PR Sreejesh (Captain), Krishan Pathak. Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, Birendra Lakra, Surender Kumar, Rupinder Singh, Amit Rohidas. Midfielders: Manpreet Singh, Chinglensana Singh Kangujam (Vice-Captain), Simranjeet Singh, Sardar Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad. Forwards: SV Sunil, Mandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Dilpreet Singh
