Asian Hockey Champions Trophy: Pathak takes up keeping duties

New Delhi, August 28

Krishan Pathak, on expected lines, was today named the main goalkeeper after the retirement of PR Sreejesh in the Harmanpreet Singh-led 18-member Indian team for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy. The tournament will see defending champions India vie for top honours with South Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan and hosts China at Hulunbuir on September 8-17.

Vivek Prasad has been made the vice-captain in place of Hardik Singh, who has been rested along with Mandeep Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, Shamsher Singh and Gurjant Singh. Ten players from the Paris Olympics squad are part of this team.

“This is an important campaign for us to ensure we build on our ranking points. The team has just returned to the camp after all the celebrations,” chief coach Craig Fulton said. “The new Olympics cycle for us begins. We will have Gurjot (Singh) making his international debut, and I believe this is a great opportunity for youngsters who have received a call-up to shine,” he added.

Squad

Krishan Pathak (GK), Suraj Karkera (GK), Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh (C), Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Vivek Prasad (V-C), Manpreet Singh, Mohammed Raheel, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Uttam Singh, Gurjot Singh