Sandeep Singh among Hockey World Cup probables

Following his impressive performance in the second edition of the Hockey India League (HIL), penalty corner specialist Sandeep Singh finds himself among India's 33 probables for the World Cup to be held in The Hague from May 31 to June 15.

Following his impressive performance in the second edition of the Hockey India League (HIL), penalty corner specialist Sandeep Singh finds himself among India's 33 probables for the World Cup to be held in The Hague from May 31 to June 15.

The drag-flicker was dropped from the national squad before the Asia Cup in mid-2013. Sandeep, playing for the Jaypee Punjab Warriors, was the top-scorer of HIL 2 with 11 goals.

The training camp of the probables will be held at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here from March 9 to April 10. The list was shortlisted by high performance director Roelant Oltmans, chief coach Terry Walsh and government observer Harbinder Singh Feb 25.

India is placed in Pool A of the World Cup with Australia, England, Belgium, Spain and Malaysia and will open their campaign against Belgium May 31 followed by England (June 2), Spain (June 5), Malaysia (June 7) and Australia (June 9).

The following is the list of probables:

Goalkeepers: PR Sreejesh, Harjot Singh, Sushant Tirkey

Defenders: Gurbaj Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, V.R. Raghunath, Birendra Lakra, Gurmail Singh, Kothajit Singh Khadangbam, Gurjinder Singh, Gurinder Singh, Sandeep Singh, Vikram Kanth

Midfielders: S.K. Uthappa, Dharamvir Singh, Chinglensana Singh Kangujam, Sardar Singh, Manpreet Singh, Danish Mujtaba, Satbir Singh, Devinder Sunil Walmiki, Vikas Pillay, Jasjit Singh

Forwards: Nikkin Thimmaiah, Nithin Thimmaiah, SV Sunil, Mandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Affan Yousuf, Yuvraj Walmiki, Talwinder Singh, Lalit Upadhyay.