Bhubaneswar: A total of nine players from Odisha have been selected for the upcoming Indian Junior (U-21) Men’s Hockey team tour of Belgium.
During the tour, scheduled from July 5 to 18, the 22-member team will take on four European giants – Austria, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.
The players are Ritik Lakra, Vivek Lakra, Anmol Ekka, Rohit Kullu, Aryan Xess, Prasant Barla, Sanjit Tirkey, Adrohit Ekka and Mukesh Toppo.
This is the first time the Indian junior team will showcase its prowess under newly appointed Coach Frederic Soyez, according to Hockey India.
Anmol Ekka will lead the team, while the midfield will be managed by Adrohit Ekka, Harpal, Jeetpal, Mukesh Toppo, Mannu Malik and Ritik Lakra.
Commenting on the squad announcement, Soyez said: “I expect this tour to help us progress on several levels. First, in terms of our game, by improving our connections, our tactical discipline, and our efficiency in key moments. Then, on the human side, by strengthening unity and confidence within the group. Finally, I hope this tour will give the players a better understanding of the demands of top-level international hockey and of what we need to put in place to perform consistently over time.”
India will kick off their campaign against Austria on July 7 and 8, while the team will meet hosts Belgium on July 10. After two days of rest, the team will take on Germany and Belgium on July 13 and 14, respectively.
The Indian team will play its last match against the Netherlands on July 17.
The upcoming tour is expected to serve as a key preparatory phase ahead of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior Asia Cup, which will take place later this year.
The team: Goalkeepers: Vivek Lakra, Kunal Tewatia
Defenders: Anmol Ekka (C), Rohit Kullu, Chirag, Ravinder, Prasant Barla, Sanjit Tirkey, V. Manimaran
Midfielders: Adrohit Ekka, Harpal, Jeetpal, Mukesh Toppo, Mannu Malik, Ritik Lakra
Forwards: Ajeet Yadav, Prabhdeep Singh, Arjun Hargude, Aryan Xess, Lovenoor Singh, Mohd. Konain Dad, Gurusewak Singh
