Suraj Karkera, who was chosen to the Indian squad in the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in place of the rested PR Sreejesh, says it will be difficult to replace the veteran goalkeeper.
Karkera, 26, last played for India in the 2019 Tokyo Olympics test event.
“I’m really excited to have the chance to play for India after a long time. Anytime you get the chance to put on the Indian jersey you get goosebumps. I’m not at all. nervous because we trained well. I have confidence in myself and my ability, “Karkera said ahead of the event in Dhaka.
Karkera will have big shoes to fill with veteran goalie Sreejesh taking a rest from the tournament.
“PR Sreejesh has done so much for India for so many years. It’s always going to be difficult to fill your shoes. But I’ll try to give my 100 percent whenever I get the chance, â€Karkera said.
“We’ve been learning from him for so long. He shares his knowledge with all of us during goal post training and gives us lots of advice. So I have a great responsibility, â€he added.
Besides vice-captain Harmanpreet Singh and seasoned player Varun Kumar, India has also included young players like Jarmanpreet Singh, Dipsan Tirkey, Nilam Sanjeep Xess and Mandeep Mor in the squad.
It will be India’s first competition since the Tokyo Olympics. Three-time champions India will begin their campaign in the tournament on December 14 against Korea.
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