Axed players head to Europe

The 18-member hockey squad for the London Olympics will be announced Monday even though a 22-member team was cleared Sunday for a Europe tour of Spain and France in preparation for the Games.

The 18-member hockey squad for the London Olympics will be announced Monday even though a 22-member team was cleared Sunday for a Europe tour of Spain and France in preparation for the Games.

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From among the 22, four players have already been axed for the Olympics but they are still being sent on the Europe tour for last-minute exigencies.

Rupinder Pal Singh, Nithin Thimmaiah, Pradhan Somanna and Dharamvir Singh are most likely to miss out from being on the 18-member squad (16 + 2 stand bys) for the London Games. Bharat Chetri will lead the side while Sardar Singh will be his deputy on the Europe tour.