138 players turn up at hockey trials

Our Sports Correspondent

Ludhiana, March 23

The selection trials for Mata Sahib Kaur Hockey Academy, Jarkhar, received an overwhelming response, as 138 players turned up to attend these trials, held on Saturday at the Astroturf of Jarkhar village, 20 km from here, on the Ludhiana-Malerkotla Road.

Jagroop Singh Jarkhar, director of the academy, said 101 talented boys (Under-17) attended the trials, while 37 players (Under-19) appeared for the selection to enrol with one of the premier academies of the region.

The selection panel comprising hockey coaches Gurstainder Singh Pargat, Harmohinder Pal Singh, Joginder Singh and Ajay Kumar watched these aspirants during the trials. Total 42 players, 22 in Under-17 and 20 in Under-19 would be shortlisted for recommendation to the Punjab Sports Department for their inclusion into the Jarkhar Hockey Academy, a recognised body of the Hockey India, said Jarkhar.

The organisers made elaborate arrangements for players. Those selected would stay back at the academy during the night and leave for their homes tomorrow, Jarkhar said.

The selected players would be imparted coaching/training by qualified coaches to prepare them for the National Academies’ Hockey Championship, slated to be held in September this year. The list of selected players would be released on Sunday.

Parminder Singh Neetu, president of the academy, besides other members, including Mandeep Singh, Tajinder Singh, Harpal Singh Hathoor and Sandeep Singh Pandher were among others present to assist the selectors during trials.