India squad for Six Nations tourney announced
New Delhi : India skipper Sardar Singh and the experienced duo of Rupinder Pal Singh and Birender Lakra were named in the 18-man squad for the Six Nations Invitational Hockey tournament to be held in Valencia, Spain, from June 27.
Sardar was rested in India’s silver medal winning Champions Trophy campaign, where goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh led the India team in his absence.
The squad features a strong defencive line-up, with experienced campaigners V.R. Raghunath and Kothajit Singh expected to guide youngsters Harmanpreet Singh and Surender Kumar.
The other teams in the tournament are Argentina, Germany, New Zealand, Ireland and hosts Spain.
“After winning our first medal at Champions Trophy tournament, we are confident to deliver our best at the Six Nations Tournament as well,” Sardar said.
Squad:
* Goalkeepers: P.R. Sreejesh (vice-captain) Vikas Dahiya.
* Defenders: Rupinderpal Singh, V.R. Raghunath, Kothajit Singh, Surender Kumar, Harmanpreet Singh, Birendra Lakra.
* Midfielders: Danish Mujtaba, Chinglensana Singh Manpreet Singh, Sardar Singh (captain), S.K. Uthappa, Devindar, Sunil Walmiki, Harjeet Singh.
* Forwards: Talwinder Singh S.V. Sunil, Akashdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah.
