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With the FIH Hockey World League just round the corner, the Indian Hockey teams are all geared up to leave a mark. Though they are already qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics, the Indian team clearly understands the importance of the tournament and are training hard for the tournament in Belgium.
Here is a list of 5 domestic players to watch out for in the upcoming tournament:
Sardar Singh
He debuted for India in 2003-04, during India’s tour of Poland. The captain of the Indian National Team is a force to reckon with. Now playing at halfback position, he became the youngest player to captain the Indian team back in 2008. With 216 international matches under his belt, he is the most effective and experienced player in the team.
The all-rounder has 13 International Goals to his name and has been in the FIH All Stars team in 2010 and 2011 and has been best of player of Delhi Olympics Qualifiers and Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, both in 2012. He leads the team with force and vigour and is certainly a player to look out for.
Gurbaj Singh
Gurbaj Singh made his debut in 2006 at the Asian Games in Doha. The gifted midfielder plays the right-half position. His defence and counter-attack techniques never fail to mesmerize everyone. His speed and agility help him to go forward and come back to the defence line in a very short span of time. His versatile ability will be a boost to the defence and strikers alike. He has 6 International goals to his name, and is the second most experienced player in terms of matches played. His presence is certainly a strong point for the Indian team.
Rupinder Pal Singh
Rupinder Pal Singh, positioned as a fullback in the Indian team, is well known for his abilities as one of the best drag-flickers in the world. The promising talent made his debut in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in 2010 in Ipoh. With 47 goals in 116 games, his skill will contribute significantly to the team.
Singh also has a point to prove, as he was earlier axed from the tournament. The Indian defence seems to be at a whole new level with his presence as he creates an impenetrable wall against the opposition.
PR Sreejesh
After making his debut in 2006 in the South Asian Games in Colombo, Sreejesh, who is now the Vice-Captain and goalkeeper has come a long way. Often considered the “Wall of the Indian Hockey team”, the 27-year old does not let many goals pass by him. Despite India's poor show in the 2014 Hockey World League and World Cup, goalkeeper Sreejesh's performance has been India's biggest positive.
Sreejesh’s ultimate moment of glory came at the 2014 Asian Games final against Pakistan where he saved 2 of 4 attempts made by the arch-rivals to help India clinch the gold medal after 16 long years and directly qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Akashdeep Singh
Playing as the forward in the Indian squad, the young gun has shown a lot of valour. With 28 goals to his name in 71 matches, he has played a commendable role as a striker. After winning the Ponty Chadha Upcoming Player of the Tournament in 2014, the young man shows promise.
After the unfortunate injury of SV Sunil, leading to his exclusion from the squad, Akashdeep remains the most experienced forwards and remains the best bet for the Indian team to score some quick goals.
India will play against hosts Belgium in the opening game on the 20th of June.
