Junior selector Gurdishpal Singh, who hails from Chandigarh, was also present.

Col Harcharan Singh has been tipped to be appointed the chief coach till the Sydney Olympics. He has been specially summoned from Siliguri to witness the trials. Harcharan was a member of the victorious 1975 World Cup at Kuala Lumpur as an outside-left. The IHF will also appoint an assistant coach and a physical trainer for the camp.

Talking to The Indian Express this morning after the trials, IHF president K P S Gill said the probables and the chief coach would be announced tomorrow. Later in the evening, Jyotikumaran said that the IHF president had convened a meeting of the regional coaches, along with the selectors. It will discuss the merits and demerits of the players before pruning down number of the probables. ``Not more than 32 probables and a few goalkeepers would be retained for the camp in preparation for India's tour of Germany and Belgium,'' Jyotikumaran said.

The IHF secretary disclosed that India would play eight matches in Germany and Belgium from June 8 to 20. Though he has not ruled out the hosting of the next coaching camp in the northern region -- Chandigarh, Patiala and Amritsar -- Jyotikumaran said ``with mercury already touching 42.6 degree Celsius, the climate is not conducive to organise a camp here under the hot conditions.'' He, however, was quick to explain that the final decision would be taken in the meeting tonight. There are strong indications that the camp may be shifted to Bangalore.

With a view to giving regular international exposure, Jyotikumaran said that an Indian team would also play in South Africa where they play five Test matches in the second week of August. Another foreign tour has been planned for the team. In September, the Indian team will compete in the four-nation international meet.

The Indian Hockey Federation has also received an invitation for the eight-nation international tournament for under-21 to be held in August in Poland.

As no state association has responded to the request of the IHF to conduct the Junior National Hockey Championship for under-21, the federation has now decided to organise this competition in collaboration with the concerned state association in June. The federation is in consistent touch with its affiliated units on this subject.

Meanwhile, various combinations were applied to test the probables. The players have already attended two sessions for a total of six hours. The probables were divided into four groups to play matches against each others. In the evening, fresh four groups were formed to test the skills of the players. ``This has provided an opportunity for the experienced as well as the upcoming players to prove their worth,'' said the coaches.