Sandeep to be out of action for Asia Cup

Bangalore, Aug 4 (UNI) With less than a month to go for the Asia Cup Hockey Tournament in Chennai, the Indian hockey team suffered a setback with expert drag flicker Sandeep Singh out of the squad due to injury.

Sandeep had a fall in bathroom at the Sports Authority of India's Southern Centre on the outskirts of the city just a week into the camp which began last month.

Speaking to the UNI, Sandeep said it was a freak incident and he had to go back home for two weeks for personal care.

His absence means India will continue to suffer in penalty corner conversions. The rate of goals scored through short corners has dropped sharply in the recent times affecting the team's performance.

Raghunath of Karnataka who had hurt his back said ''I will need at least three more weeks to completely recover. I have come back here as the gymnasium here is very good.

''It's disgusting. I will stay with the squad before its leaves for Chennai on August 14. I want to regain my fitness and will be back in action soon.

''Staying with players gives me relief. I will be back in competitive hockey soon,'' he said.

India is in the B Group of the Asia Cup with Korea,China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Pakistan which made a eleventh hour entry is placed in Group A along with Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong (China) and Singapore.

Chief Coach Joaquim Carvalho exuded confidence and said the players were in good nick. ''We are looking to do one better than the Bronze finish we had at Belgium (Champions Challenge Tournament) and Kuala Lumpur (Azlan Shah),'' he said.

UNI