Bhubaneswar: The Indian men’s hockey team has been on a tour of Europe since Sunday as the sports program stalled due to the Kovid cutbacks is gradually returning to normal. In addition, the Indian team will begin preparations for the Tokyo Olympics. Just under a year later, the Indian team played its last international tournament in Bhubaneswar (FIH Pro League 4 against Australia). The Indian team, which has been training at the Sai Center from Bengaluru since last month, will travel to Germany and Belgium on Sunday. Twenty-two well-known players and four support staff have been selected. India will play two matches against the home team on February 28 and March 2 after their trip to Crefeld, Germany. The team will then tour Antwerp and play two matches against Great Britain on March 6 and 9. Veteran wicketkeeper PR Sreejesh has been named captain and Draman flicker Harmanpreet Singh has been appointed vice-captain for the 14-day tour. The team includes Amit Rohidas and Deepsan Tirkey, along with 3 Oriya four-player veterans Birendra Lakra. Deepasan has returned to the Indian team after a long two years. He last represented the Indian team in the 2014 Sultan Azlan Saha Hockey Tournament. “I would like to thank Sai and Hockey India for the facilities we have received before the tour,” said Graham Reed, head coach of the Indian team before the tour of Europe. Twelve months later, the team is set to play its first competitive hockey game. Playing against strong teams like Germany and Great Britain will help prepare for the FIH Pro League and the Olympics. “Playing against a team in the top 10 always gives the team a good experience.” The announced 22-man squad, however, did not include experienced players like regular captains Manpreet Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, SVV Sunil. Notably, the Indian women’s team also toured Argentina last month. Similarly, the Indian junior women’s team toured Chile to prepare for the Olympics and the Junior World Cup
