Hockey Karnataka on Thursday (August 8) named their 18-part squad for the fourth edition of the Bangalore Cup Invitation All India Hockey Tournament (Men) planned to start on August 10. The host group Hockey Karnataka will be driven by Olympian and forward Nikkin Thimmaiah.

Goalkeeper Jagdeep Dayal, who was recently a part of the Hockey India Special goalkeepers Camp in SAI, Bengaluru and AC Subramani will watch the goal line. Defenders named in the squad are CA Ponnanna, Deekshith SP, Abhishek HS, Veeranna Gowda while rundown of mid-defenders includes Pradhan Somanna, KR Bharath, Puneeth R, KP Somaiah, and Acchaiah DM.

The forward line will see Nikkin assume a vital job with capable help from Mokshith Uthappa, Harish Mutgar, Pawan Madivalar, Pruthvi Raj, Rajendra, and Manjeet. The group will be trained by previous International KK Poonacha, who was prior to the National Coach of Oman.

"I think we have a good side with a good mix of youth and experienced players. Our goalkeeper Jagdeep Dayal was part of the Special National Camp for goalkeepers and he carries good confidence from there. This will be a challenging tournament and our boys are ready to put up a good show," said Poonacha.

Nikkin said this will be an incredible open door for the players from Karnataka to sparkle and strive to make it to the National Program.

"This tournament has some of the most reputed teams and players in the country taking part and doing well here would help the players get noticed for National Coaching Camps.

The players are motivated and we have been training together for nearly three weeks and have played good practice matches against Army XI, Indian Air Force in the past few weeks. We are confident of topping the Pool and making the Semi-Finals," said Nikkin.