New Delhi [India], December 11 (ANI): India’s goalkeeper Suraj Karkera, who was added to the squad for the men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2021, said he was delighted to be wearing the Indian shirt again.

The 26-year-old last played for India at the Olympic test event in Tokyo in 2019 and wants to return after more than two years.

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“I am very happy to have the chance to play for India after a long time. Every time you put on the Indian shirt you get goosebumps. I am not nervous at all because we have trained well. I am confident that we will “Me and my abilities,” he said in an official statement.

However, the Mumbai hockey player added that he has big footsteps to follow as veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who played a key role in India’s historic performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, is resting from the tournament.

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“PR Sreejesh has done so much for India for so many years. It will always be difficult to follow in his footsteps. But I will try to give my 100 percent whenever the opportunity presents itself,” said Suraj.

“We have been learning from him for so long. He shares his knowledge with all of us during goal post training and gives us a lot of tips. I have a great responsibility, ”he added.

In addition to Vice-Captain Harmanpreet Singh and experienced player Varun Kumar, Team India has also welcomed young players such as Jarmanpreet Singh, Dipsan Tirkey, Nilam Sanjeep Xess and Mandeep Mor to give them a platform to showcase their skills. But Suraj expressed his confidence in India’s defense forces.

“Everyone in defense knows their tasks and roles. Goalkeeping is my duty and my zone. So it is of course important for me to keep communicating with the defense,” said Suraj.

This will be India’s first competition since the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Regarding India’s prospects in the tournament, Suraj said the team will win the tournament game after game.

“Our goal is to win the trophy. We’ll win it game after game, no matter which team we play. We’ll try not to think about results and keep our heads clear. We’re going to play a tournament after a long time . ” So of course the players are fresh and excited to perform, “he said goodbye.

The three-time Champions India starts its campaign against South Korea at the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2021 on December 14th. (ANI)

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