Walmiki, Upadhyay set to return

 Drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh and forward SK Uthappa were among four players dropped from the 18-member squad for the Hockey World League Semifinal at Antwerp, Belgium, from June 20-July 5.

Forwards Satbir Singh and Mandeep Singh were the other two players to face the axe.
On the other hand, defenders Jasjit Singh Kular and Gurmail Singh, midfielder Lalit Upadhyay and striker Yuvraj Walmiki will make a comeback to the side after featuring in the squad for the ‘Test’ series against Japan.

The squad for World League Semifinal will be led by experienced midfielder Sardar Singh with PR Sreejesh as the vice-captain, it was announced on Tuesday.

India opens its campaign in the 10-nation tournament on June 20 against France. Australia, Pakistan and Poland are other teams of Pool A. In Pool B China, Ireland, Malaysia, Great Britain and Belgium will square off for a place in the top four.

 “The team is full of confidence which they proved in the recent Japan series where they gave Japan a tough time and beat 3-0. As they will be clashing with the finest of the teams, the boys are working upon their strategies and confident to put up a good show in the tournament. Their pool is tough but the boys are confident of putting up a great show,” said chief coach Paul.

Squad: Goalkeepers: PR Sreejesh, Harjot Singh; Defenders: Manpreet Singh, Birendra Lakra, Kothajit Singh, VR Ragunath, Jasjit Singh Kular, Gurmail Singh; Midfielders: Gurbaj Singh, Dharamvir Singh, Sardar Singh (c), Chinglensana Singh, Lalit Upadhyay; Forwards : SV Sunil, Nikkin Thimmaiah, Yuvraj Walmiki, Akashdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh.