The FIH Pro League 2022-23 matches were played in between March 10 and 15, 2023 at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela.
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India emerged out as the best team in the recently held FIH Pro League 2022-23 games against Australia and Germany. The matches were played in between March 10 and 15, 2023. India won all four matches, in which two were against Germany and two against world champion Australia. However, many of India’s star players were absent from the squad that represented India in the home games which raised a lot of questions. The big names included Mandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Amit Rohidas, Varun Kumar, Surender Kumar, and Lalit Kumar Upadhyay.
Indian forward Mandeep Singh has opened up about not being part of the FIH Pro League 2022-23 matches which were played in Birsa Munda Stadium, Rourkela. He stated that he was not dropped from the Indian contingent. But, he was rested from the FIH Pro League which defeated Australia and Germany twice. Mandeep was among the eight players who were not selected for the FIH Pro League team after India made a pre-quarterfinal exit from the World Cup in Odisha in January. Mandeep further added, “Yes, I was told that I was rested not dropped (From FIH Pro league). I am looking forward to returning to the team. I think some younger players are being tried and tested. “He added, referring to the name of youngsters like Selvam Karthi and Jugraj Singh”.
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Another senior member of the team was left out of the FIH Pro League 2022-23. Akashdeep Singh said that he does not know the reason why he was not a part of the team. He added, “I am sure Mandeep will play in the next Pro League matches and Asian Games also. I do not know about myself,” added the 28-year-old Akashdeep, one of the better performers of the Indian team during the World Cup campaign with two goals against Wales.
The World cup defeat led to the removal of head coach Graham Reid. Graham Reid has been replaced by South African Craig Fulton who is yet to join the team. Team India’s main target will be the Asian Games in September-October 2023. The gold medalist in the Asian games will book a berth for the 2024 Olympics.
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