Forwards S.V. Sunil and Yuvraj Valmiki made a comeback as India on Wednesday named a 18-member squad with three new faces in it for the Hero Hockey World League Finals starting January 10.
While Sunil came back into the team after recovering from the elbow injury he sustained before the Asia Cup in August, Walmiki made a return after the FIH Champions Trophy in 2012.
New faces in goalkeeper Harjot Singh, midfielder M.B. Aiyappa and striker Affan Yousuf were named by the selectors for the final round of this inaugural tournament to be held at major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
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Harjot, India’s goalkeeper in the junior World Cup held in December in New Delhi, replaced P.T. Rao for his maiden entry into the national squad.
Affan, who was vice-captain of the Sultan Johor Cup winning side, too got a maiden call-up for the senior line-up led by Sardar Singh.
Karnataka’s Aiyappa will support his skipper in the midfield in company of Manpreet Singh, S.K. Uthappa and others.
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Goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh will be Sardar’s deputy.
The goal-scoring responsibility will be shouldered by the likes of Mandeep Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah among others while V.R. Raghunath maintains his position as the drag-flicker.
The Squad:
Goalkeepers: P.R. Sreejesh (Vice-Captain), Harjot Singh.
Defenders: Birendra Lakra, Rupinder Pal Singh, V.R. Raghunath, Kothajit Singh Khadangbam, Amit Rohidas.
Midfielders: Sardar Singh (Captain), S.K. Uthappa, Dharamvir Singh, Manpreet Singh, Chinglensana Singh Kangujam, M.B. Aiyappa.
Forwards: Nikkin Thimmaiah, S.V. Sunil, Mandeep Singh, Affan Yousuf, Yuvraj Walmiki.