Gurbaj to lead India`s development hockey team to Pakistan

New Delhi: India mid-fielder Gurbaj Singh will lead an 18-member development team to Pakistan for the tri-nations International Hockey tournament to be held in Lahore from April 9, Hockey India (HI) said on Monday.

HI, however, is still awaiting the government approval for its participation in the championship, which will also feature Malaysia, besides India and hosts Pakistan. "India shall be sending its Development team to participate in the Tri- Nations International Hockey Tournament for Men at Lahore from 9-13 April 2012 subject to Government approval," Hockey India said in a release. The team was selected after two days of trail at SAI centre, Bangalore by HI selectors BP Govinda and Syed Ali, alongwith Government Observer Harbinder Singh. Manpreet Singh has been named as the deputy to Gurbaj in the team, which includes four players who represented India in last month`s Olympic Qualifiers here. Team: Goalkeepers: P T Rao, Nanak Singh Defenders: Rupinderpal Singh, Harbir Singh, Amit Rohidas Midfielders: Gurbaj Singh (Captain), Manpreet Singh (Vice-Captain), Kothajit Singh Khadangbam, Gurmail Singh, M B Aiyappa, S K Uthappa, Dharamvir Singh, Nithin Thimmaiah. Forwards: Chinglinsana Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Pradhan Somanna, P L Thimmanna, M G Poonacha Standbys: Rahul Shilpkar (Defender), Stanley Victor Minz, Rocky Lochab (Midfielder), Mandeep Singh (Forward). PTI