Defender Birendra Lakra is the lone hockey player from Odisha found the place in Indian Men’s Hockey Team for upcoming Australia tour beginning on May 10 in Perth.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik congratulated him on his selection in the 18-member Indian hockey squad for the international hockey clash.
Hockey India on Tuesday announced the 18-member India team for Australia event. The Indian team under newly appointed the Chief Coach Graham Reid, will be Captained by Manpreet Singh and Vice-Captained by Surender Kumar.
Speaking about the importance of the tour ahead of the FIH Men’s Hockey Series Final Bhubaneswar Odisha 2019, Chief Coach Graham Reid said, “This tour will provide me with a great chance to get to know this group of players. It comprises a well-balanced mix, including some younger players, a debutant and a player coming back from long-term injury.
To be able to play four matches against a world class opposition including a match against club Western Australia Thundersticks; will be a great opportunity to test our players under pressure. It provides the ideal preparation for FIH Men’s Hockey Series Final Bhubaneswar Odisha 2019 in June.”