Two Players From Odisha In Team India For Hockey Champions Trophy

New Delhi: Hockey India, on Thursday, announced the 18-member Indian Men’s team who will take part in the final edition of the prestigious Rabobank Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy in Breda, Netherlands from June 23, 2018.

Two players from Odisha, Birendra Lakra and Amit Rohidas will participate in the Champions Trophy.

The team will be led by ace goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. He will be assisted by Chinglensana Singh Kangujam.

Sreejesh will be joined by youngster Krishan Pathak as goalkeeper while India’s defence will see the Birendra Lakra make a comeback into the squad. He will be joined by drag-flickers Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar and Amit Rohidas along with Surender Kumar and debut player Jarmanpreet Singh.

India’s midfield will see the return of Sardar Singh, Manpreet Singh, Chinglensana Singh Kangujam and Vivek Sagar Prasad. The forward line will feature SV Sunil, Ramandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh and Sumit Kumar (Jr).

“The team is a good mix of youth and experienced players. The tournament is an extremely important for the players to showcase their firepower as the team for the forthcoming Asian Games in Jakarta will be picked on the basis of the performance,” said Chief Coach Harendra Singh.

India will play arch rivals Pakistan in its first match on June 23,  2018.