Sardar Singh returns to lead India in 6 Nations Invitational tourney

Sardar Singh, who was rested for the recently-concluded FIH Champions Trophy, will lead a 20-member squad announced for the forthcoming 6 Nations Invitational tournament in Valencia, Spain starting from 27th June.

The squad features a strong defensive line up, with experienced campaigners VR Raghunath, Rupinder Pal Singh and Kothajit Singh being joined by the returning Birender Lakra. Harmanpreet Singh and Surender Kumar provide the youth to the backline. PR Sreejesh and Vikas Dahiya are the goalkeepers included in the squad.

Sardar Singh will take over the mantle of Captain from PR Sreejesh for the tournament, which will also feature, Argentina, Germany, New Zealand, Ireland and hosts Spain.

"After winning our first medal at the prestigious Champions Trophy tournament over the weekend, and the first medal since the Bronze in 1982 as well as the best finish in any major Champions Trophy tournament so far, we are confident to deliver our best at the 6 Nations Tournament as well. All these matches are stepping stones towards the ultimate goal - Rio Olympics 2016. The brilliant display of tactical hockey during FIH Champions Trophy by the squad has positively elevated our Olympic medal-winning hopes. Three of the teams we face in Valencia are in our Pool at the Olympic Games, so that will help us assess and analyse our tactics better too," said Sardar Singh.

India will play Germany in their opening match of the tournament on 27th June.