22-strong team for Oz tour

HI selectors BP Govinda, AB Subbaiah, Thoiba Singh and Syed Ali besides government observer Dilip Tirkey watched the probables play a series of the newly-devised nine-a-side games in the morning before judging them in the traditional 11-a-side match later in the evening.

In all, 22 players will be selected for the tour of Down Under beginning on October 12 which will see India play two nine-a-side tournaments at Perth and a series of international friendlies against hosts Australia, Australia ‘A’, arch-rivals Pakistan and Korea.

“The trials went really well and we are happy with the form of some of the players,” said HI executive director Anupam Gulati. “Since the tour is a long one, we’ve decided to pick 22 players. The objective is to have a blend of youth and experience.”

Coach Michael Nobbs on Sunday had hinted that India may host Pakistan in a ‘Test’ series as a preparatory exercise ahead of the Olympic qualifiers in February, but Gulati failed to dwell too much on it. “Pakistan has approached us wanting to play a ‘Test’ rubber. We need clearance from the Central Government, and we are yet to approach them on this issue.”

Gulati, however, confirmed that Bangalore would become the training centre for the hockey team. “Bangalore has all the necessary facilities. SAI director general Desh Deepak Verma confirmed that Bangalore would be the training centre. The team will switch training to the Dhyan Chand stadium (in New Delhi) ahead of the Olympic qualifiers only to get a feel of the turf as the qualifiers are scheduled to be held there.”

Of course, unless HI and the Indian Hockey Federation improve on their ‘working arrangement’, the tournament might be taken away from New Delhi, just as the Champions Trophy was earlier this month.