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India are likely to field a largely junior team in the upcoming 3rd Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, which is scheduled to be at the Japanese city of Kakamigahara from November 2 to 10.
Although nothing has been confirmed officially, Hockey India sources indicate that the national senior men’s team would comprise a raft of junior players for the 3rd Asian Champions Trophy.
It may be worth recalling that the Indian missed the services of three senior players – SV Sunil, Danish Mujtaba and Gurwinder Singh Chandi besides talented youngster Akashdeep Singh. Save for Sunil, the rest three are still going through the rehab and are not expected to be in contention for the 3rd Asian Champions Trophy.
However, with the 2013 Junior World Cup just a couple of months away, the national hockey selectors are keen to give maximum possible international exposure to the junior players, which is being seen as a big factor behind fielding a largely junior team in Kakamigahara.
Talented drag-flicker Gurjinder Singh, who is coming off an injury lay-off and played in the recent three-match friendly home series against Malaysia, is expected to mark a comeback to the national team for the 3rd Asian Champions Trophy.
His presence should boost our penalty corner conversions as our junior team looked woeful in the 3rd Sultan of Johor Cup with Amit Rohidas cutting a disappointing figure in Ipoh.
One is not sure how the national hockey selectors are going to balance the side with a mix of seniors and juniors. In case senior team drag-flickers Vokkaliga Raghunath and Rupinder Pal Singh are not considered, then Gurjinder Singh will have a big responsibility in the 3rd Asian Champions Trophy.
The likes of Mandeep Singh, Malak Singh, Ramandeep Singh will get vital exposure from the 3rd Asian Champions Trophy – an experience which will come in handy in the 2013 Junior World Cup slated to be held in New Delhi from December 6-15.
