Rupinder, Akash return for Asiad

New Delhi, July 9

Ace drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh and striker Akashdeep Singh have been included in the 18-member hockey squad for next month’s Asian Games in Indonesia, where India would be the defending champions. 

The squad features just two changes from the Champions Trophy squad that won a second consecutive silver medal in Breda, the Netherlands, recently.

While Rupinder, who was rested for the Champions Trophy, returned to the side in place of Jarmanpreet Singh, Akashdeep replaced an injured Ramandeep Singh. 

Sreejesh to lead

The team will be led by veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, and Chinglensana Singh has been retained as the vice-captain. “We have a great mix of players who have shown their abilities in recent tournaments. But it is unfortunate we will be missing Ramandeep Singh’s experience as he is ruled out of the Asian Games due to a recent knee surgery,” said chief coach Harendra Singh. — PTI

Squad

Goalkeepers: PR Sreejesh (Captain), Krishan B Pathak; Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, Birendra Lakra, Surender Kumar, Rupinder Pal Singh, Amit Rohidas; Midfielders: Manpreet Singh, Chinglensana Singh Kangujam (Vice-captain), Simranjeet Singh, Sardar Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad; Forwards: SV Sunil, Mandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Dilpreet Singh.