New Delhi: Harjeet Singh will lead India's 18-member junior men's squad during a training-cum-competition trip to Gold Coast Australia from December 2 to 13 as part of the team's build up for the Asia cup next year.
"Hockey India today announced the Indian Men Junior Hockey Team for training and Test matches scheduled to be held from 02 to 13 December 2014 in Gold Coast, Australia in preparation for the 8th Men's Junior Asia Cup in 2015," HI said in a statement.
Hockey India selectors Harbinder Singh, Dr. R P Singh, Arjun Halappa, Roelant Oltmans (Director High Performance), coaches Harendra Singh and B J Kariappa selected 18 players after the trials conducted at MDC National Stadium, New Delhi on November 17.
The 18-member squad will be led by midfielder Harjeet and forward Imran Khan will be his deputy for the five-match Test series.
The team also features the stars of the fourth Sultan of Johor Cup 2014 -- defender Harmanpreet Singh and forward Simranjeet Singh.
Speaking on the team structure, Harendra said, "The team is all set to take on Australia on their home turf. We have selected the best players for the tour and also giving the opportunity to new boys to gain international exposure.
"The team has the right combination of experienced players and new talent. In the recent camp in New Delhi, we have worked on every player's skills and strengths. This Australia tour is an ideal preparation for the Junior Men Asia Cup, which will be held in 2015. We are upbeat about our recent performance in the Sultan of Johor Cup and confident of doing well in Australia."
The Team:
Goalkeepers: Abhinav Kumar Pandey, Jugraj Singh.
Defenders: Varun Kumar, Harmanpreet Singh, Dipsan Turkey, Gurinder Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Anand Lakra
Midfielders: Harjeet Singh (Captain), Imran Khan (Vice Captain), Santa Singh, Manpreet Singh, Sumit.
Forwards: Parvinder Singh, Simranjeet Singh, Sumit Toppo, Mandeep Singh, Arman Qureshi.
