Arjuna award-winning midfielder Manpreet Singh was on Wednesday named India’s captain for the Asian Champions Trophy slated to be held in Muscat next month. Manpreet takes over the captaincy from goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who last led India to a bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games.
Hockey India also announced an 18-member squad for the Champions Trophy which begins on October 18.
Chinglensana Singh has been named the vice-captain for the tournament, which India start as the defending champions. They had defeated Pakistan 3-2 in the Champions Trophy final in 2016 to win their second trophy in five years.
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Besides Sreejesh, the 18-member team includes young goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak, while Harmanpreet Singh, Gurinder Singh, Varun Kumar, Surender Kumar, and Jarmanpreet Singh will man the defence. Experienced defender Kothajit Singh Khadangbam also makes a comeback from injury, while 20-year-old Hardik Singh will make his debut for the senior team.
Meanwhile, Manpreet along with his deputy Chinglensana will be responsible for holding the midfield together. They will be joined by Lalit Kumar Upadhyay and Nilakanta Sharma and Sumit, with the latter two making a comeback into the team.
The forward line includes Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh, and 23-year-old Gurjant Singh.
“I believe we have a great mix of players in this 18-member team as there is a right balance between youth and experience,” said head coach Harendra Singh, talking about the team’s composition.
“The tournament gives us the last chance to test a few players before the World Cup Bhubaneswar and I’m sure that these players will produce the results in Oman. It is important we stick to our plans and have a good outing in this tournament so that we can wash away the bad memories of the Asian Games.”
World No. 5 team India are currently undergoing a national camp in Bhuvneshwar before they leave for Oman.
India will face Malaysia, Pakistan, South Korea, Japan and hosts Oman in the Champions Trophy with the top four teams qualifying for the semi-finals.
Goalkeepers: PR Sreejesh, Krishan Bahadur Pathak
Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh, Gurinder Singh, Varun Kumar, Kothajit Singh Khadangbam, Surender Kumar, Jarmanpreet Singh, Hardik Singh
Midfielders: Manpreet Singh (Captain), Sumit Nilakanta Sharma Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Chinglensana Singh Kangujam (Vice Captain)
Forwards: Akashdeep Singh, Gurjant Singh, Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh.
Image Source: DNA India