Midfielder Harjeet Singh will lead an 18-member junior Indian hockey team for training and Test matches scheduled to be held from December 2 to 13 in Gold Coast, Australia in preparation for the 8th Men’s Junior Asia Cup in 2015.
Announcing the team, Hockey India said that midfielder Imran Khan will be his deputy for the five-match Test series. The team also include the stars of the 4th Sultan of Johor Cup 2014 – defender Harmanpreet Singh and forward Simranjeet Singh.
The champions of the Sultan of Johor Cup are looking forward to continue their winning spree and repeat the success of the Senior Men Team, who defeated Australia on their home turf.
Coach Harendra Singh said, “The team is all set to take on Australia on their home turf. We have selected the best players for the tour and also giving the opportunity to new boys to gain international exposure. The team has the right combination of experienced players and new talent. In the recent camp in New Delhi, we have worked on every player’s skills and strengths. This Australia tour is an ideal preparation for the Junior Men Asia Cup, which will be held in 2015. We are upbeat about our recent performance in the Sultan of Johor Cup and confident of doing well in Australia.”
Hockey India selectors Mr. Harbinder Singh, Dr. R. P. Singh, Mr. Arjun Halappa, Mr. Roelant Oltmans, Director High Performance, Coach Harendra Singh and Coach Mr. B J Kariappa selected the players after the selection trials conducted at MDC National Stadium, New Delhi on November 17.
The team: Goalkeepers: Abhinav Kumar Pandey, Jugraj Singh.
Defenders: Varun Kumar, Harmanpreet Singh, Dipsan Turkey, Gurinder Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Anand Lakra.
Midfielders: Harjeet Singh – Captain, Imran Khan – Vice Captain, Santa Singh, Manpreet Singh, Sumit.
Forwards: Parvinder Singh, Simranjeet Singh, Sumit Toppo, Mandeep Singh and Arman Qureshi.