A test of India’s character

Baljit Singh’s absence could be a major factor as the Indian hockey team sets off for a 25-day European tour early on Thursday.

The goalkeeper, who suffered a freak accident during practice and is now in danger of losing an eye, is still under observation at the AIIMS in New Delhi.

His teammates will have to put it past them ahead of a demanding tour. The 23-member squad, led by Sandeep Singh, will kick off their 12-test tour starting July 27 and will be back in Pune on August 18.

Chief coach Jose Manuel Brasa is confident that his wards will be greatly benefited by this tour in terms of experience. “We have worked on certain fields and the boys will perform with an open mind,” said Brasa.

“We have set targets and I am sure the boys will deliver,” said coach Harendra Singh on the eve of the squad’s departure.

Harendra said, “the main target is man-to-man marking. It’s a long tour and there are many things to learn.” India will play four tests against England, and three each against Belgium and Spain at Birmingham, Antwerp and Terassa, respectively.

Their last stop will be Amstelveen where they will take on Holland in two tests before flying back home.

THE SCHEDULE
India v England: 1st Test (July 27), 2nd Test (July 29), 3rd Test (July 31), 4th Test (Aug 2).

India v Belgium: 1st Test (Aug 4), 2nd Test (Aug 5), 3rd Test (Aug 7).
India v Spain: 1st Test (Aug 9), 2nd Test (Aug 10), 3rd Test (Aug 12).
India v Holland: 1st Test (Aug 14), 2nd Test (Aug 16).