WC Asian Qualifiers: 12-man squad named for upcoming games against Jordan and Lebanon

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Bengaluru, February 17: After a three month hiatus the Indian cagers are set to get their act back on the court once again as they gear up for the World Cup Asian qualifier matches.

Having gone down to Lebanon in an away tie and to Syria at home in the first leg in Bengaluru last November, the Indian men’s team will hope to get some wins under their belt as they kick off the second leg on February 23.

India will play two matches at home at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium. In the first qualifier match of round one of Group C India will face stiff competition from Jordan and then the hosts will take on Lebanon on February 26.

Following that the team will travel to Syria to take on Syria on June 28 and then Jordan in Jordan on July 1.

To qualify for the second round, India have to finish amongst the top three of their group. The Indian cagers are still in contention as they still have four games in hand.

In preparation for the matches the men’s team have been attending the national coaching camp, which has been going on in the city since February 1. The camp started with 35 players. Three players withdrew from the camp due to illness. The selection committee on Friday (February 16) picked a squad of 12 members out of the 32 for the upcoming qualifiers. The squad was picked following a two day long selection trial held on Thursday and Friday (February 15 and 16th). The team has a blend of senior players as well as youngsters.

Speaking about the final twelve, BFI President K Govindaraj said, “We are focussing on the Indian team and not on individuals. The selections have been left completely to the coaches and whoever performs makes the cut, irrespective of whether you are a senior or not.”

Meanwhile BFI Secretary General Chander Mukhi Sharma said, “We are giving youngsters a chance as well. The coaches pick the team. We are preparing two teams out of the 32 players and preparing them for the upcoming Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, so that we have our options open for the tournaments.”

Speaking about the coaching situation of the Indian men’s team Sharma said, “We have shortlisted a few names and presented to the Govt. of India. Now they have to take a decision. For now the head coach of the team is Mr. Rajinder Singh along with Assistant coaches GRL Prasad and H Lalding Sanga. Women’s Head coach Zoran Visic, will be looking over the men’s team as well but from the background. He will be guiding them and will be present for the qualifiers as well.”

Meanwhile, Govindaraj stated that like the last game the doors would be open for anyone who would want to come and watch. The match will not have tickets so that school children and college kids can watch it for free and the popularity of the game can grow.

Squad: Ravi Bhardwaj, Arvind Arumugam, Satnam Singh, Arshpreet Singh Bhullar, A Aravind, P Akilan, J Justin, P Jeevanantham, Yadwinder Singh, Joginder Singh, Amritpal Singh, Amjyoti Singh.