Young brigade add colour to HIL

A number of promising players are set to pit their talent against some formidable names of the game in the fourth edition of the Hockey India League to be held across various cities of the country from January 18 to February 21.

One such is 17-year-old defender Dipsan Tirkey, vice-captain of the national junior team who is expected to open against Uttar Pradesh Wizards in the league opener

Dipsan, who is yet to make it to the senior team, will be keen to make a mark at the event with selectors keeping a watch on youngsters who might make it to the probable’s list for the Rio Olympics.

Another name in the youth brigade is Dabang Mumbai’s 20-year-old drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh from Punjab, representing the franchise for the second consecutive year.

Last year, Harmanpreet scored five goals in the Hockey India League. Half-back, Arman Qureshi, 21, along with Varun Kumar of the Jaypee Punjab Warriors, are also are expected grab attention.

Harjeet Singh, 20, and captain of India’s junior team will represent Delhi Waveriders.The Punjab midfielder, who rose up the ranks to lead the national squad, is known for his prolific performances against formidable teams.

The six franchises in the fray for the cash richt hockey league are Jaypee Punjab Warriors, Delhi Waveriders, Kalinga Lancers, UP Wizards, Dabang Mumbai and defending champions Ranchi Rays.