Hockey India, coaching staff divided over squad selection

NEW DELHI: Hockey India (HI) and men’s head coach Craig Fulton on Friday, offered differing views on whether the country will field one squad or two separate teams for this year’s FIH World Cup and the Asian Games, with just 20 days separating the two events.There were talks that India might field separate teams for the two events, with HI planning to send a second-best men’s squad to the World Cup.Rather than providing clarity on the issue, federation officials added to the uncertainty. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of HI’s annual awards ceremony here, the head coach said one team comprising existing squad members will play in both the World Cup and Asian Games, rejecting suggestions that he would field two different teams.

“We are going to have one squad for the two events. The selection will happen keeping that in mind,” Fulton said.Minutes later, HI president Dilip Tirkey said it would be impossible for players to attain peak fitness for both events and raised concerns over injuries. “There’s a tight gap of just three weeks. It’s impossible for the same set of players to peak ... there’s a fear of injuries. We are holding discussions with selectors and coaches.

Given the situation, we will look forward to sending two teams,” he said.Roll of HonourPlayer of the Year (men): Hardik Singh;Player of the Year (women): Navneet Kaur;Lifetime Achievement Award: Zafar Iqbal;Defender of the Year: Sanjay; Midfielder of the Year: Sumit;Forward of the Year: Sukhjeet Singh ;Goalkeeper of the Year: Bichu Devi Kharibam.