Rabobank Hockey World Cup: India lose Ramandeep Singh to injury
Thursday 29 May 2014 08:18, UK
India forward Ramandeep Singh has been ruled out of the Rabobank Hockey World Cup after sustaining an injury during a pre-tournament warm-up.
Singh was taken to hospital after he suffered a serious blow to his head during India’s friendly against Argentina last week.
Scans revealed that the 21-year-old has sustained multiple fractures to his right eye socket and cheekbone, with Hockey India confirming the attacker will be undergoing surgery.
India, who lifted the Hockey World Cup in 1975, have endured a barren spell over the last nine tournaments - a fifth place finish in Australia their best in recent years – and will be eager to recapture their previous form.
The loss of Singh will come as a blow for India head coach Terry Walsh, who has called up Kallinga Lancers forward Lalit Upadhyay as a replacement.
Upadhyay, who is coached by Walsh at the Lancers in the Hockey India League, toured Europe with India last month and insists he is ready to give his all at the World Cup.
"Ramandeep's injury is a sad incident and a big blow for the team,” he told The Times of India. “I will give my best to live up to the expectations of the coaches and selectors.
"I would like to thank the selectors and Hockey India for imposing their faith in me and giving me this opportunity to represent the country in the World Cup.
“This is a dream come true for any player across the world and I will give my 100 per cent.”
Sky Sports 3HD will be broadcasting live from the Rabobank Hockey World Cup from 9am on Saturday
