Hockey fever grips city as Australian teams land in Bhopal

Bhopal: Excitement is building in Bhopal as the Australian U-18 hockey teams arrived in the city on Monday ahead of a four-match international series against India from May 15 to 20.Organised by Madhya Pradesh’s Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, the matches will be played at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central Centre and are being seen as a key preparation event ahead of the U-18 Asia Cup in Japan later this month.Officials welcomed the Australian players and coaching staff with traditional greetings on arrival.Matches in both boys’ and girls’ categories will be held on May 15, 17, 18 and 20, giving young Indian players valuable exposure against strong international opposition.Ten players from Bhopal’s Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy have been selected in the Indian squads. The men’s side includes Ayush Rajak, Ansh Bahutra, Karan Gautam, Avi Manikpuri, Siddharth Ben and Gazi Khan, while Sneha Dawde, Mahak Parihar, Nammi Geethasri and Nausheen Naz feature in the women’s team.Sports minister Vishvas Kailash Sarang termed the series a proud moment for the state and said it would inspire young athletes.