Odisha’s Dipsan Tirkey to lead India U-23 Junior Hockey Team

Hockey player Dipsan Tirkey has been named as captain of the 18-member India U-23 men’s hockey team for a six-nation tournament in Belgium. The event is scheduled to held from July 14 to July 21.

Two other players from Odisha have also been included in the list. The two players were defender Nilam Sanjeep Xess and forward Shilanand Lakra.

Hardik Singh has been appointed as vice-captain of the team.  The team also include goalkeepers Pankaj Kumar Rajak and Prashant Kumar Chauhan; defenders Dipsan Tirkey, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Pardeep Singh, Mandeep Mor, Somjeet and Mohd. Faraz.

The participating nations are Great Britain, Ireland, Malaysia, the Netherlands the hosts Belgium. India will play against Ireland on July 14.

The top two out of six teams will face each-other in the final game on July 21.