Looking to shine for senior side

Forward Akashdeep Singh and midfielder Gurmail Singh, part of Indian junior side which finished second in Sultan Johar Cup recently, head to Australia as part of Indian senior team for Champions Trophy

Earlier in the month of April this year, when Akashdeep Singh and Gurmail Singh were asked to join the Indian hockey team for the tri-series between India, Pakistan and Malaysia at Pakistan, the excited players had rushed back to their homes in Punjab and Haryana, respectively, to pack their bags. But the last minute cancellation of the tour stopped the players from making their debut at the international stage.

But that is to change soon as on Tuesday morning, both Akashdeep and Gurmail landed in India after a successful sojourn in the Sultan Johar Cup held at Malaysia, where the Indian junior team finished second. And as they were called for the upcoming Australia tour of the Indian senior team, both Akashdeep and Gurmail once again had to pack their bags.

The Indian team will leave on Tuesday night and Akashdeep and Gurmail along with Manpreet Singh and Kothajeet Singh, joined the rest of the team members later in the afternoon at Delhi. Relieved to get the Indian cap, both believe the experience they gained in Malaysia will come handy.

"We were disappointed on not been able to international debut in April earlier this year. Had we got the opportunity, we would have been in the Indian team for the London Olympics. But then that is destiny. When I was named in the senior team for the Australia tour, I could not sit and ponder as we were preparing for the Sultan Cup. We tried few tactics during the tournament and the victories against teams like Germany and Australia in the league stage really boosted our confidence," shares Akashdeep, who scored two goals in the Malayasian tournament.

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