Europe trip will stand in good stead for World Cup: Walsh

New Delhi: India`s chief hockey coach Terry Walsh said Tuesday that the team`s experience during the European tour will stand in good stead for the May 13-June 15 World Cup at The Hague.

The Indian team will leave Wednesday to play five games on the Europe Tour, including two each against The Netherlands and Dutch National Clubs and one against Belgium from April 9-19. Walsh said the trip will enable the players and staff to simulate major aspects for the upcoming World Cup. "And one of the most significant aspects will be playing on the same surface which will be used during the World Cup. Our squad has been focusing on several key areas of performance in the camp during last one month and the aspects requiring fine tuning will be identified for the final training phase leading into the World Cup," he said. The Australian said the experience of playing European sides will be crucial for India. "The experience of playing purely European styles will be important for the team. Our ability to grow and display progression in our self belief as an international sporting team will be under the closest scrutiny. We will be much wiser upon our return I am sure," he said. The 21-member squad will be captained by midfielder Sardar Singh while defender Rupinder Pal Singh will be his deputy. The squad: Goalkeepers: P.R. Sreejesh, Harjot Singh Defenders: Birendra Lakra, Rupinder Pal Singh (vice-captain), V.R. Raghunath, Kothajit Singh, Gurinder Singh, Gurbaj Singh Midfielders: Sardar Singh (captain), S.K. Uthappa, Dharamvir Singh, Manpreet Singh, Chinglensana Singh Kangujam, Danish Mujtaba, Devindar Walmiki Forwards: S.V. Sunil, Nikkin Thimmaiah, Akashdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Yuvraj Walmiki, Lalit Upadhyay Schedule: April 11: India vs. Leiden (Dutch National Club) April 14: India vs. HGC (Dutch National Club) April 15: India vs. Belgium April 17: India vs. The Netherlands April 19: India vs. The Netherlands