Hockey

Gurmail Singh is on cloud nine after becoming the second costliest Indian player during the Hockey India League (HIL) player's auction in New Delhi earlier this week.

India's hockey chief coach Paul van Ass said he is willing to resume his duties provided there is no "interefernce" in his work.

It is learnt that captain Muhammad Imran, who had earlier announced his decision to step down, may make some disclosures on returning home.

Mathias Ahrens said: "Happy with the way the girls performed, we lacked in a few areas which were quite visible but we will ensure good possession of the ball and will put pressure on New Zealand"

Speaking on the new strategies, he said, "I am confident with the strategies that the team is working on and it will yield positive results for the team.

After a week, the list will be pruned down to 33 core probables, who will further train under the watchful eyes of chief coach Harendra Singh.

Hockey India announced a list of 25 probables for the upcoming India-Japan series, to be played in Bhubaneswar from May 3 to 9.

"As I was coaching the Indian team for the first time in a tournament, they have surprised me with their high-level performance against Australia," said van Ass.

Nikkin Thimmaiah and VR Raghunath scored goals as India came back from behind to earn a point against Korea in their Sultan Azlan Shah opener.

Van Ass expects his wards to give a "good start" to his stint in the 24th Azlan Shah Cup.

Forty years back on March 15, 1975, the Indian men's hockey team accomplished a historic feat by beating Pakistan 2-1 in the World Cup.

Punjab Warriors emerged as the team to beat this season, topping the league stages with 35 pints from 10 games ahead of Ranchi Rays.

The Disciplinary Committee of the HIL met on Monday to discuss the conduct of Gurjinder in Sunday's match between the Lancers and Warriors.

Former Dutch national coach Paul van Ass was on Friday named the new coach of the Indian men's hockey team.

Swann has returned home for the treatment of his injured calf, which has been bothering him for the last five months.