Only two players report for hockey camp

The Indian Hockey Federation was forced to postpone its preparatory camp for the Asia Cup by a day after most of the probables failed to report on time.

The camp, which was to begin at the National Stadium in Delhi on Monday morning, could not kick-off as per schedule since only two probables -- Viren Rasquinha and Prabodh Tirkey -- managed to reach the city on Sunday, the deadline for the 21 probables to report for the camp.

Also Read 'Hockey today is a young man's game'

"We do not know why the players failed to reach the venue on time. But we are expecting everyone to be here by tonight. Now we will be starting training tomorrow," IHF sources said.

Seven more players and fitness trainer Sampath Kumar arrived on Monday morning and senior players, including captain Dhanraj Pillay and Dilip Tirkey, are likely to reach by evening.

During the camp, which will continue till September 14, the team for the eight-nation Asia Cup will be announced after which the team may go to Singapore to get acquainted with the playing conditions in Kuala Lumpur, the venue for the September 21-28 Asia Cup, where all the matches will be held under lights.

The Indian Hockey Federation is yet to get permission from the government for the five-day exposure trip to Singapore, from where the players are scheduled to fly to Kuala Lumpur on September 20.

On the fitness front, Sampath Kumar said Sandeep Michael, who missed the Champions Trophy in Holland last month due to jaundice, and Ignace Tirkey have recovered completely and are fully fit to resume action.

"Sandeep has regained complete fitness. I saw him in action in Bangalore recently and I am convinced that he is physically fit for the Asia Cup challenge," Sampath Kumar said.

"Ignace has also recovered from the light ligament injury he suffered during the Champions Trophy."

Dependable midfielder Ignace suffered the injury when a rival player's stick hurt his knee during India's memorable 7-4 win against Pakistan in the six-nation Champions Trophy.

The fitness trainer, however, said he is not sure about the physical fitness of some other members of the team who also suffered minor injuries in Amstelveen.

"Dilip Tirkey had a cramp and Baljit Singh Sani hurt his nose. I hope by now they must have recovered since there has not been much action since our Champions Trophy engagement.

"We can know about them only when they join the camp," Sampath Kumar said.