Hockey India name junior team for Australia tour

New Delhi, Nov 22 (IANS)

Hockey India (HI) Saturday announced its junior men's team for training and playing a five-match Test series in Gold Coast, Australia, from Dec 2-13 to prepare for the eighth Junior Asia Cup in 2015.

HI selectors Harbinder Singh, R.P. Singh, Arjun Halappa, director high performance Roelant Oltmans, coaches Harendra Singh and B.J. Kariappa selected 18 players after the selection trials were conducted here Nov 17.

The squad will be led by midfielder Harjeet Singh while forward Imran Khan will be his deputy for the series. The Sultan of Johor Cup champions are looking forward to continue their winning spree and repeat the success of the senior team, who recently defeated Australia 3-1 on their home turf.

"The team is all set to take on Australia on their home turf. We have selected the best players for the tour and are also giving an opportunity to the new boys to gain international exposure. The team has the right combination of experienced players and new talent," Harendra said.

"In the recent camp here, we have worked on every player's skills and strengths. This Australia tour is an ideal preparation for the 2015 Junior Asia Cup. We are upbeat about our recent performance in the Sultan of Johor Cup and confident of doing well in Australia."

The squad:

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, Arman Qureshi