Experienced Gurbaj Singh and Danish Mujtaba on Friday made a comeback to India’s 21-member men’s hockey team for this month’s preparatory tour to Europe ahead of the FIH World Cup to be held at The Hague, Netherlands from May 31 to June 15.
Since the Olympics he was given a cold shoulder by the national selectors but right-half Gurbaj fought against all odds to regain his place in the national team with his superb passing and tireless work that played a key role in securing the Hero Hockey India League 2 crown for Delhi Waveriders this year.
Mujtaba, a talented midfielder, also returned to the side, to be captained by Sardar Singh, after being laid low for nearly 10 months due to a serious injury in his right knee that needed a surgery.
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However, ace drag-flicker Sandeep, who was the top-scorer of HIL this year, did not find a place in the side.
Forwards Ramandeep Singh and Akashdeep Singh also returned while defender Gurinder Singh, midfielder Devindar Walmiki and striker Lalit Upadhyay are three new names in the 21-member squad.
While Sardar will lead the side, drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh has been named his deputy for the European tour where India will play five build-up games in The Hague, Netherlands from April 9-19.
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Forwards Navneet Kaur and Neha Goyal have been included for the first time in the 18-member women’s squad, led by midfielder Ritu Rani, for the FIH Champions Challenge 1 to be held from April 27 - May 4.
Midfielder Chanchan Devi will be the vice-captain for the eight-nation tournament to be played at Glasgow, Scotland.
India are placed in Pool A with Korea, Belgium and the host Scotland while USA, South Africa, Spain and Ireland are placed in Pool B.