Veteran midfielder Sardar Singh on Saturday returned to the national team as Hockey India named a strong 18-member squad under the captaincy of Manpreet Singh for the Asia Cup to be held in Dhaka from October 11-22.
Sardar, recently awarded the prestigious Khel Ratna Award, was dropped from the Indian team which toured Europe last month but got a recall for next month's event to strengthen the team.
Two other key players, who were dropped for the Europe tour, forwards S V Sunil and Akashdeep Singh also made a return. Defenders Harmanpreet Singh and Surender Kumar also made a return after being rested for the Europe tour.
Sunil has been named deputy to Manpreet, who has been retained as the captain despite a poor show by the team in the Hockey World League Semi-Final in London in June and a mixed result at last month's European tour.
Goalkeepers Akash Chikte and Suraj Karkera retain their spot in the squad while forward Satbir Singh earned a recall.
After giving some top junior players some good exposure in the Europe Tour, HI named a squad with a blend of youth and experience.
"I am looking forward to working with the team which has been picked to
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