Gurjinder out, Mandeep back into the team

New Delhi, March 25

Sardar Singh will lead a full strength Indian men’s hockey team in the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup to be held in Ipoh, Malaysia, from April 5 to 12.

India have gone for a strong 18-member squad with just three changes from the last December’s Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar. Midfielder Danish Mujtaba, striker Lalit Upadhyay and defender Gurjinder Singh will miss out. Midfielder Chinglensana Singh and forwards Satbir Singh and Mandeep Singh have been drafted into the side.

The Azlan Shah Cup will also be Dutchman Paul van Ass’ first assignment as the new chief coach of the Indian team. “The intensity and efforts put in by these players during the preparations gives me much confidence in this team,” Van Ass said. — PTI

Indian squad

Goalkeepers: PR Sreejesh, Harjot Singh; Defenders: Gurbaj Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, Birendra Lakra, Kothajit Singh, VR Raghunath; Midfielders: Manpreet Singh, Sardar Singh, Dharamvir Singh, Chinglensana Singh, SK Uthappa; Forwards: Ramandeep Singh, SV Sunil, Akashdeep Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah, Satbir Singh, Mandeep Singh