Chandi’s selection for the camp beginning here on Saturday, however, is questionable.
India
New Delhi: A poor show at the Junior World Cup this month — India finished 10th in the quadrennial event at home — has forced the national selectors to look at more options in the attackline. And it reflected in the 28-member list of probables named on the day, for the upcoming World League Round 4 final here.
Onus was on the strikeline, with experienced fowards Gurvinder Singh Chandi and Yuvraj Walmiki besides attacking midfielder Danish Mujtaba returning to the fold ahead of the high-profile event.
Top seven teams of the world including Australia, Germany and Holland, besides hosts India, will be seen in action at the January 10 to 18 event here, a precursor to the senior World Cup in June 2014.
Chandi’s selection for the camp beginning here on Saturday, however, is questionable. The talented striker, who was injured during the inaugural Hockey India League in February, underwent an ankle surgery in London two months ago and is expected to be out for at least two more months.
“I will begin my rehabilation process from tomorrow,” said Chandi from Jalandhar. “My left ankle was operated upon and the doctors have advised me two months of rehabilitation.”
Asked about Chandi’s inclusion in the camp when he will not form a part of the final 18, national selector R.P. Singh offered a bizzare explanation. “We will get to know during the camp if he is fit or not.”
When told that the striker had even pulled out of the HIL that starts on January 25 next year, due to fitness issues, R.P. Singh added, “Chandi is part of the core group of players and is likely to represent India in future tournaments.
“We will see during the trials. He will not be selected for this tournament if he is unfit,” he said, clearly indicating that the selector was unaware of the player’s fitness or injury status. Another selector B.P. Govinda, meanwhile, said that the forward will undergo his rehabilation programme during the camp, highlighting the difference in opinion among the selectors.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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