Colombo, Dec 27, Wed – The Sri Lanka Hockey Federation is actively preparing for the upcoming AHF Under-21 Asia Cup, with a special focus on goalkeepers. The federation has announced that the hockey selection trial exclusively for goalkeepers is scheduled to take place on January 6 at the Astro Turf in Race Course grounds.
A preliminary pool of 128 players under the age of 21, including 74 boys and 54 girls, has been identified for the selection process. Led by Anuruddha Wickremasinghe, the National Hockey Selection Committee will kick off the first level of selection at 8 AM at Astro Turf.
Sources indicate that the AHF Under-21 Asia Cup is scheduled to occur between February and April 2024. In an effort to streamline the selection process, the committee has strategically chosen to emphasize goalkeepers during the initial stage, given the substantial number of participants.
Earlier, successful open trials held in key locations like Colombo, Matale, Galle, and Wennappuwa, resulting in the selection of 128 talented players for the preliminary pool nationwide. The intermediate level of selection, specifically dedicated to goalkeepers, is the next pivotal phase in shaping the final squad for the Asia Cup.
For players who may not have made the initial cut, there is an avenue for appeal or reconsideration. The Sri Lanka Hockey Federation encourages those not selected to submit their appeals to the Chairman of the Selection Committee through their respective associations by December 29. Notably, direct appeals from players will not be accepted, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.
As Sri Lanka Hockey Federation takes proactive steps to assemble a formidable team for the AHF Under-21 Asia Cup, the goalkeeper selection trial is poised to be a critical juncture in identifying and nurturing top talent for international competition.
